Sacred, aromatic, ornamental, medicinal and food plant, the Shiso leaf multiplies its qualities. Very widespread in Asia, this plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, known in France as Périlla (from the mint and thyme family).
There are, in fact, two very common varieties of shiso and frequently used in the land of the Rising Sun: one variety with green leaves, another with purple leaves. They are mainly used in cooking (served with sushi, sashimi or tempura). Purple can also be used as a natural colorant.
If these two types of Shiso have therapeutic virtues, there is a third type: the Perilla frutescens of his learned name. This last category (called egoma) is very popular as a health product, which is also very expensive.
Shiso, a tasty aromatic
Since Antiquity, Shiso has been cultivated and used in much of Asia and in Japan. Its fragrant and ornamental leaf is very popular. In addition, it is a plant that spreads easily and quickly. Its culture dates back to the Jomon era in the 3rd century BC. It was not imported into France until 1996, by a certain Luc Grossin.
In appearance, the Shiso looks a bit like nettle and its leaves are therefore green or purple. Its small flowers are white and sometimes lavender pink. It is a honey plant (producing good quality nectare and pollen collected by bees).
Eaten raw or cooked, Shiso gives off a scent just as pleasant as its taste: a mixture of coriander, cinnamon and anise, with a hint of citrus. From the seeds of Shiso is extracted a vegetable oil and its leaves, essential oil.
The soothing and relaxing virtues of the Shiso leaf
If shiso is also popular, it is because it concentrates 1001 health benefits. Moreover, the plant is at the heart of a legend: a young boy would have been saved from food poisoning to crabs after being cured by shiso leaves. This is where its Chinese name comes from zisu, [plante] violet that revives.
Powerful antihistamine, especially with regard to allergic reactions to seafood, shellfish and crustaceans, Shiso is an ideal ally against food allergies. Studies have shown that it actually reduces the production of histamine (which is responsible for inflammation or gastric secretions) and immunoglobulin E (a class of antibodies responsible for allergenic disorders). But that’s not all !
Thanks to many active ingredients present in its leaves (Polyphenols; flavonoids; luteolin; rosmarinic acid; chrysoeriol; apigenin; limonene; linalool; L-menthol; alpha-pinene; elemicin) Shiso provides its soothing, relaxing and revitalizing properties. It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Rich in antioxidants, Shiso leaf is also used to fight against liver ailments and plays a preventive role against cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Shiso leaf is also said to be effective against nausea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal pain. It is also beneficial for colds, asthma and coughs and has a preventative effect against the flu.
Use and contraindications
In therapeutic use, the Shiso leaf is used in different forms: fresh leaves, powders, and herbal teas. Internally, it is a mineralizing, antibacterial, expectorant (against cough), antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, carminative (reduces flatulence), stomachic (it promotes digestion) and tonic. All this in a small sheet …
One note, however, the sedative effect of Shiso can be added to that of other plants or supplements, as well as that of drugs. Shiso should not be consumed at the same time as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs. In case of doubt, it is better to seek the advice of a health professional with knowledge in herbal medicine.
As an infusion, you can fill a quarter of a cup with dried or powdered leaves and steep in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. To fight against sore throat, you can drink this preparation throughout the day.Finally, to clear the sinuses and help breathing, Shiso leaves can be taken as an infusion (boil Shiso leaves and inhale the vapor that emerges from them).
Where to find Shiso and in what forms?
In view of its very recent importation into France (1996, editor’s note), Shiso is quite difficult to find in its adult plant form. If you go to very specialized stores, the ten leaves of Shiso sell for a high price.
If you are feeling a green thumb, you can buy Shiso sprouts or seeds.
Finally, be careful, the name “shiso” is confusing: in France, the name refers to the Perille de Nankin (one of the varieties), while in Japan, it refers in the broad sense to the entire Lamiaceae family. It would be a shame to bring back mint seeds …
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