Is Perilla Safe to Eat? Understanding Wild vs. Cultivated Varieties

Cultivated in Asia for over 2000 years, perilla has a long history as both a culinary and medicinal herb. But is perilla safe to eat, especially the wild varieties found in North America that have been linked to animal poisonings?

Quick Summary

Cultivated perilla is a safe and healthy herb rich in omega-3s. However, wild varieties, particularly in the US, can contain lung toxins. Proper identification is key to avoiding risks.

Key Points

• Wild vs. Cultivated: Wild North American perilla can be toxic, while cultivated varieties (shiso, kkaennip) are generally safe for human consumption.

• Livestock Risk: Wild perilla is known to be highly toxic to grazing livestock like cattle and horses, causing respiratory distress due to perilla ketone.

• Identify with Care: Proper identification is crucial; cultivated perilla is the safe culinary choice, and foraging wild perilla is not recommended.

• Omega-3 Source: Cultivated perilla seed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, offering heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Precautions: Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have allergies should consult a doctor before consuming perilla, as some may experience allergic reactions.

• Blood Thinners: Perilla contains anti-platelet compounds; consult a doctor if taking blood-thinning medication.

Understanding Perilla: Wild vs. Cultivated

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is a broad species within the mint family, and its safety for human consumption depends largely on the variety and origin. The crucial distinction lies between cultivated versions, like Japanese shiso and Korean kkaennip, and invasive wild varieties, particularly those that have naturalized in the southeastern United States.

Cultivated Varieties: The Edible Herb

In many parts of Asia, particularly Korea and Japan, perilla has been safely enjoyed for centuries. These cultivated plants are prized for their distinct, aromatic flavor and nutritional benefits. They are a staple in many cuisines, where the leaves are used as a garnish for raw fish, pickled, or added to soups and stews. The seeds from these varieties are also a source of omega-3-rich oil, which is valued for its cardiovascular benefits. Commercial products derived from these specific varieties are generally considered safe for human consumption when used appropriately.

Wild Perilla in North America: The Toxic Concern

Wild perilla, sometimes called beefsteak plant or perilla mint, is considered a toxic invasive weed in some Western countries, particularly in the United States. This distinction is critical because wild perilla contains perilla ketone, a potent lung toxin that has caused fatal respiratory distress in grazing livestock like cattle, horses, and sheep. This toxin is especially concentrated during the flowering and seeding stages of the plant's life cycle. Some sources suggest that this toxic profile may be specific to wild North American strains, which evolved the chemical as a survival mechanism. For this reason, foraging for wild perilla is extremely risky.

How to Safely Identify Perilla Leaves

Given the potential danger of wild variants, it is essential to source perilla from trusted, cultivated sources, such as a grocery store, a specialty Asian market, or a nursery selling specific, edible cultivars. If you are growing your own, ensure you are using seeds or seedlings from a known edible variety and not a wild plant. It is very difficult for a non-expert to differentiate between safe and toxic varieties based on appearance alone.

• Source: Only consume perilla from cultivated, identified sources. Never forage wild perilla, especially in North America.
• Name: Be aware of different names. Edible varieties are often sold as shiso or Korean perilla (kkaennip). Wild, invasive plants are known as beefsteak plant or perilla mint.
• Appearance: Both wild and cultivated perilla can have green or purple leaves, so color is not a reliable indicator of safety.

Culinary Uses and Health Benefits of Cultivated Perilla

For those who consume cultivated perilla, there is a range of culinary applications and potential health benefits. The leaves offer a unique flavor profile, often described as a mix of cinnamon, mint, and anise.

Culinary Uses of Cultivated Perilla:

• Garnish: Used fresh as a garnish for sushi, sashimi, and other raw fish dishes.
• Pickling: Leaves can be pickled, often with soy sauce, chili, and garlic, for a flavorful side dish.
• Seasoning: Added to soups, stews, stir-fries, and meat dishes for a distinctive flavor.
• Tea: Dried leaves can be steeped to make a soothing, minty tea.
• Seed Oil: Cold-pressed oil from the seeds can be used as a finishing oil or in baking.

Health Benefits:

• Omega-3s: Perilla seeds are exceptionally rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid crucial for heart and brain health.
• Antioxidants: Perilla leaves contain potent antioxidants and polyphenols, such as rosmarinic acid, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
• Digestive Health: Traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve nausea, and alleviate bloating.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While cultivated perilla is generally safe, some precautions are necessary for all consumers.

• Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to perilla, experiencing symptoms like itching, skin rashes, or, in rare cases, anaphylaxis from seed consumption. If you have allergies, especially to other mint-family plants, proceed with caution.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of perilla during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The recommended course of action is to avoid its use to be on the safe side.
• Drug Interactions: Perilla contains compounds with anti-platelet properties. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare provider before consuming perilla, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Perilla Seed Oil: Unrefined perilla seed oil contains beneficial fatty acids, but should ideally not be heated to high temperatures. Heating can cause the oil to release lung toxins.

Comparison of Wild vs. Cultivated Perilla

Feature	Wild Perilla (e.g., in US)	Cultivated Perilla (e.g., Shiso, Kkaennip)
Toxicity	Contains lung toxin (perilla ketone), especially when seeding.	Generally considered safe for human consumption.
Flavor	Less desirable; can have a harsher, unpleasant taste.	Pleasant, aromatic, often described as minty, anise, or cinnamon.
Omega-3 Content	May contain ALA, but contamination with toxins is a significant risk.	Rich source of ALA, especially in the seeds.
Source	Found in pastures, roadsides, and as an invasive weed.	Grown intentionally for culinary use in farms and gardens.
Animal Safety	Highly toxic to cattle, horses, and sheep.	Not a risk to livestock when properly identified.

Conclusion: Enjoy Perilla Responsibly

When sourced from a reputable, cultivated provider, perilla is a safe and flavorful herb with numerous health benefits, including being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. However, the presence of potentially toxic wild varieties, particularly in North America, means that foraging should be avoided entirely. For the best culinary experience and safety, stick to identifiable cultivated perilla varieties like shiso or kkaennip and be mindful of individual allergies or pre-existing health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional with any concerns, especially during pregnancy or while on medication. For further scientific information on perilla's medicinal properties, you can explore research from sources like NIH Study on Perilla frutescens.

Citations

• WebMD. (n.d.). Perilla - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-477/perilla
• Eat The Weeds and other things, too. (2021). Perilla, Shiso. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.eattheweeds.com/perilla/
• National Institutes of Health. (2024). Perilla frutescens: A traditional medicine and food .... Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10394348/
• Just One Cookbook. (2024). Shiso (Green and Red Perilla). Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.justonecookbook.com/shiso-perilla/
• Missouri Department of Conservation. (n.d.). Beefsteak Plant (Perilla Mint). Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/beefsteak-plant-perilla-mint

Frequently Asked Questions

Can wild perilla be eaten by humans?

While some people forage wild perilla with no issues, wild varieties in the U.S. may contain the lung toxin perilla ketone, especially in seeds. Foraging wild perilla is therefore risky and not recommended due to potential toxicity.

What is the difference between shiso and perilla?

Shiso is a Japanese variety of the Perilla frutescens species, characterized by its often smaller, crinkled leaves. Korean perilla, known as kkaennip, is another cultivated variety within the same species, generally featuring larger, broader leaves.

Is perilla seed oil safe to consume?

Cultivated perilla seed oil is a safe and beneficial source of omega-3s for consumption. However, it is best used cold, as heating the oil can potentially release lung toxins.

Can perilla cause an allergic reaction?

Yes, some individuals may have allergic reactions to perilla. Symptoms can include skin rashes from contact with the oil or, in rare cases of high seed consumption, anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

Is perilla safe for pregnant women?

The safety of perilla during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established due to a lack of sufficient research. For this reason, it is best to avoid its use unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

How can I tell if a perilla plant is safe to eat?

Without an expert's knowledge of the specific variety and growing conditions, it is safest to only consume perilla purchased from a reputable store or nursery. Wild perilla can be risky, and appearance alone is not a reliable indicator of safety.

Are there any drug interactions with perilla?

Perilla contains compounds with anti-platelet activity. Individuals taking blood-thinning medication should consult a healthcare provider before consuming it, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

What are the health benefits of perilla?

Cultivated perilla is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties and may also aid in digestion.