Shiso Leaf
vegetable
Perilla frutescens var. crispa, also known by its Japanese name shiso (紫蘇) from Chinese zisu, is a cultigen of Perilla frutescens, a herb in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to the mountainous regions of China and India, but is now found worldwide. The plant occurs in several forms, as defined by the characteristics of their leaves, including red, green, bicolor, and ruffled. Shiso is perennial and may be cultivated as an annual in temperate climates. Different parts of the plant are used in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Conditions addressed
How to use
- Eat steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or raw in salads.
- Lightly cooking increases digestibility.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Shiso Leaf in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Shiso Leaf itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is associated with calming/sedative activity. CNS-active herbs are generally used cautiously and short-term in pregnancy rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionSedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via breast milk — generally used cautiously and briefly, watching the baby for excess sleepiness or poor feeding.
Children
Use CautionSedative herbs are dose-sensitive in children, whose smaller body size makes effects less predictable — start low and use short-term under guidance.
Interactions & contraindications
May affect immune activity
Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)
Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.
May have a calming/sedative effect
Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol
Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.