Today is a lovely day to learn about the potential health benefits of shiso.
What is shiso?
Shiso, also known as perilla or beefsteak plant, is a herb that is commonly used in Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and China.
It’s a leafy herb that’s part of the mint family.
It has large, green leaves with a unique flavor that is hard to describe but often compared to a combination of mint, basil, and anise.
Shiso leaves can be used in a variety of ways, including as a garnish or ingredient in salads, soups, sushi, and other dishes.
In Japan, shiso is often used to flavor and color pickled plums, known as umeboshi, and is also used as a wrapping for sushi rolls.
Besides its culinary uses, shiso is also known for its medicinal properties.
It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including asthma, allergies, and digestive issues.
So, if you’re interested in trying new and unique flavors in your cooking or want to explore traditional medicine remedies, shiso may be worth adding to your list of ingredients to try!
Here is a list of the potential health benefits of shiso.
- Shiso may aid in allergy relief.
- Could maintain healthy skin.
- Shiso might help you manage your cholesterol levels.
- Has antibacterial potential.
- Shiso may help with mental stress management.
- Might benefit liver health.
- Shiso could improve immune health.
- Might possess potent antioxidants.
- Shiso could improve cognitive function.
- Might possess anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Shiso could help with respiratory issues.
- May benefit digestive health.
- Shiso could improve cardiovascular health.
- May help with pain management.
- Shiso might possess antiviral qualities.
Please keep reading if you want to learn more.
1. Shiso May Help Relieve Allergies
Allergic rhinitis, also called “hay fever,” is a common condition in which the immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust, and animal dander.
This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Shiso has been traditionally used in Japan as a natural remedy for allergies, and some studies have shown that it may help reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
In one study, people with allergic rhinitis who took a supplement with shiso extract had fewer symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and a stuffy nose.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions in mice with asthma.
Compounds in shiso, like rosmarinic acid and luteolin, have been shown to help people with allergies.
These compounds may help reduce the release of histamine, a chemical that is involved in allergic reactions.
2. May Keep Your Skin Healthy
Two chemicals in shiso, rosmarinic acid and luteolin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help prevent UV radiation and other environmental factors from damaging the skin.
UV light and other things in the environment can hurt the skin in ways like inflammation, oxidative stress, and early aging.
One study found that shiso extract was able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin of mice exposed to UV radiation.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in human skin cells.
Shiso may also improve the elasticity of the skin, which is important for keeping healthy skin that looks young.
In one study, middle-aged women who took a supplement with shiso extract saw their skin become more flexible.
3. Shiso May Aid In Managing Cholesterol Levels
Shiso can promote heart health by controlling the body’s cholesterol levels.
The seeds contain essential oils that raise good cholesterol.
This lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
The herb may also prevent plaque from accumulating in the blood vessels.
In addition, the plant is a good source of antioxidants, which may help prevent oxidation and cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
📚 Phytochemical Study Of Polyphenols In Perilla Frutescens As An Antioxidant
4. May Have Antibacterial Properties
Shiso has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which means it can help fight harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Studies have shown that shiso has antibacterial compounds like rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid that work against a wide variety of bacteria.
In one study, it was found that shiso extract could stop the growth of several types of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
These bacterial strains can cause a range of infections, including skin infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
Another study found that shiso oil was effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial strain that can cause stomach ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.
5. Shiso May Assist In The Management Of Mental Stress
Shiso has long been used in Japan as a natural way to treat stress and anxiety.
Some studies have found that shiso may help reduce anxiety and improve mood due to its effects on the brain and nervous system.
Compounds in shiso, like rosmarinic acid and luteolin, have been shown to make people feel less anxious.
These compounds may help reduce anxiety by controlling the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in mood and emotion.
In one study, people with anxiety who took a supplement with shiso extract had less anxiety than those who took a placebo.
Another study found that inhaling the scent of shiso oil helped reduce anxiety in rats.
📚 A Review On Bioactivities Of Perilla
😊 Disc golf may also help with mental stress management. More information about its health advantages can be found on this page.
6. May Support Liver Health
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which are found in shiso, have been shown to protect the liver.
These substances might aid in defending the liver against harm from toxins like alcohol and other drugs.
One study found that shiso extract was able to reduce liver damage in rats with alcohol-induced liver injury.
In another study, people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who took a supplement with shiso extract had lower liver enzymes.
Shiso may also help improve liver function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
Damage to the liver and the risk of getting liver disease can be caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
7. Shiso Might Enhance Immune Health
Shiso contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that have immune-boosting properties.
These chemicals might help boost the activity of immune cells and lower the chance of getting sick.
One study found that shiso extract was able to increase the activity of immune cells in mice.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of mice infected with a virus.
Shiso may also help reduce the risk of infections by boosting the immune system.
One study found that taking a supplement with shiso extract made older people less likely to get respiratory infections.
8. May Have Powerful Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can aid in defending the body’s cells against damage from free radicals.
The body makes free radicals, but they can also come from outside sources like pollution, tobacco smoke, and radiation.
When free radicals build up in the body, they can cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Shiso contains various compounds, including flavonoids, that act as antioxidants in the body.
Flavonoids are plant-based compounds that are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
They have been shown to help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
One study found that shiso extract was able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with liver damage.
📚 Novel Antioxidants Isolated From Perilla Frutescens Britton Var. Crispa
9. Shiso May Aid Cognitive Function
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and luteolin, which are found in shiso, have been shown to improve memory and thinking.
By sending more blood to the brain, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress, these compounds may help improve cognitive function.
One study found that taking a supplement containing shiso extract improved memory and learning ability in rats.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce cognitive decline and improve memory in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
Shiso may also be good for lowering the risk of cognitive decline that comes with getting older in humans.
In one study, older people who took shiso extract every day for eight weeks had better brain function than those in a control group.
10. May Have Anti-inflammatory Properties (My Favorite Potential Health Benefit Of Shiso)
Rosmarinic acid is a natural compound that is found in various plants, including shiso.
Studies on both animals and people have shown that it works well to reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal reaction of the immune system to a wound, an infection, or something that bothers it.
But inflammation that lasts for a long time can cause a number of health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.
One study found that rosmarinic acid was able to reduce inflammation in the lungs of mice with asthma.
Another study showed that it could reduce inflammation and improve liver function in rats with liver damage.
In a study of people with seasonal allergies, taking a supplement with rosmarinic acid made symptoms like sneezing and itching go away.
Even though more research needs to be done to fully understand shiso’s anti-inflammatory effects, the fact that it has a lot of rosmarinic acid suggests that it may help reduce inflammation all over the body.
This could make it a possible natural treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and others.
😊 Honeycomb may have anti-inflammatory effects as well. This page contains more information about its health benefits.
11. Shiso May Possibly Treat Some Respiratory Issues
Shiso has been traditionally used in Japan and other parts of Asia to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
People think that the anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties of shiso may be good for the health of the lungs.
Studies have shown that shiso has anti-inflammatory compounds like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which may help reduce inflammation in the airways.
This can help improve lung function and reduce symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and feeling like you can’t get enough air.
Shiso has also been shown to have bronchodilator properties, meaning that it can help open up the airways and improve breathing.
This is especially helpful for people with asthma, whose airways narrow and make it hard for them to breathe.
In a study of people with mild to moderate asthma, taking a supplement with shiso extract was better than a placebo at improving lung function and reducing asthma symptoms.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions in mice with asthma.
12. May Provide Better Digestive Health
Shiso has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues such as nausea and bloating.
One of the compounds found in shiso, rosmarinic acid, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the gut.
Inflammation in the gut can lead to a range of digestive issues, including bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
Another way in which shiso may promote digestive health is by increasing the flow of digestive juices in the stomach.
This can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating and indigestion.
13. Shiso May Be Beneficial To Cardiovascular Health
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which are found in shiso, have been shown to protect the heart.
These compounds may help protect the heart and blood vessels from damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
One study found that shiso extract was able to reduce blood pressure in rats with high blood pressure.
In another study, people with high cholesterol who took a supplement with shiso extract had better levels of blood lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides.
Shiso has also been shown to reduce inflammation, which may be good for lowering the risk of heart disease.
Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
14. May Aid In Pain Relief
Shiso has been traditionally used in Japan as a natural remedy for pain.
Some studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of shiso may help ease the pain and swelling caused by conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Compounds in shiso, like rosmarinic acid and luteolin, have been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
Inflammation can contribute to pain and discomfort, particularly in conditions such as arthritis.
In one study, people with knee osteoarthritis who took a supplement with shiso extract had less pain and could move around better than those who took a placebo.
Another study found that shiso extract was able to reduce inflammation and pain in rats with rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Shiso Plant May Have Antiviral Properties
Shiso has been shown to be effective against several types of viruses, like influenza and herpes.
Some compounds, like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, are thought to be responsible for these antiviral effects.
Studies have shown that shiso extract can stop the influenza virus from spreading in cells and make the symptoms of influenza in mice less severe.
Another study found that shiso extract was effective against the herpes simplex virus, reducing viral replication and symptoms in cells.
Because it has antiviral properties, shiso may also help lessen the severity and length of a virus-caused illness.
In one study, people with the common cold who took a supplement with shiso extract had their symptoms last less time and be less bad.
😊 Gmelina leaves may have antiviral qualities as well. More information about its health advantages can be found on this page.
Conclusion
Shiso is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its many potential health benefits.
It has compounds like rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and luteolin that help reduce inflammation, fight free radicals, and boost the immune system.
Studies have shown that shiso may help reduce inflammation and pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Additionally, it might shield the skin from environmental factors like UV rays and other harm.
Shiso may also improve the health of your lungs and heart, help your digestive system, and even help your brain work better.
Some studies also back up how it has been used traditionally in Japan to treat allergies, stress, and anxiety.
Even though more research is needed to fully understand shiso’s possible health benefits, what we know so far suggests that it may be a good addition to a healthy diet and way of life.
Reducing inflammation is a significant health benefit of shiso, which is my favorite on the list.
This is especially beneficial for individuals with conditions like gouty arthritis, like me.
It can alleviate pain and swelling, significantly improving one’s quality of life.
Which health benefit above do you need the most?
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that shiso should not be used as a substitute for conventional medicine.
Before using any herbal medicine, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor.
There are several herbs and plants with potential health benefits worth exploring.
😊 This page can help you discover more about them.
If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please feel free to share it with them.
Let’s work together to promote better health and wellness for everyone.
Thank you for reading!
👨⚕️ Safety First
Even though shiso might be good for your health in some ways, you should be careful when eating it.
People who are allergic to mint, basil, or other plants in the Lamiaceae family should avoid shiso, as it may cause an allergic reaction.
Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their doctor before consuming shiso.
Before adding shiso to your diet for its potential health benefits, it’s recommended to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medication.
Your doctor can advise you on whether shiso is safe for you to consume and what dosage is appropriate.