What Is a Shiso Allergy?

Shiso is a herb in the mint family that is used a lot in Asian cooking. It is also called perilla. You may have come across shiso as a garnish on sushi or sashimi. You might have seen it used as a wrap for Korean BBQ.

Shiso is safe for most people. Yet, some people have an allergy to it in the same way others are allergic to pollen or pet dander.

What Is Shiso?

Shiso is a herb that is often described as a flavor mix between mint and basil. It comes in a range of red and green colors. If you have eaten Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cooking, odds are that you have tried it. Perhaps without even knowing.

Nearly every part of the herb is used in some way: leaves, seeds, and seed oil. Shiso is used in both cooking and supplements. You'll find it in salads, paired with pickles, and as an eatable wrap for different meats.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Shiso Allergy?

While shiso allergies are rare, some people do have an allergic reaction to touching or eating shiso. Allergies to shiso seeds are more common than allergies to shiso leaves.

Here are some common signs of a shiso allergy:

• Skin outbreaks. If you are allergic, touching the herb can cause your skin to break out, turn red, or get small blisters. Usually, this happens on your hands and fingers.
• Food allergy symptoms. Eating shiso can give someone with an allergy hives, coughing fits, or wheezing.
• Severe reaction. In rare cases, shiso allergy has led to a serious health crisis. Signs can be face swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, or a fast drop in blood pressure. These signs mean that you need help right away.

The more you work with or cook with the herb, the more you are at risk. You are also more at risk of shiso allergies if you have other food allergies. This is even more true if you have allergies to seeds or nuts. Those who already have health issues such as asthma or eczema are also at higher risk.

Can Shiso Help With Allergies?

If you are thinking of using shiso as a supplement or show any of the signs of a shiso allergy, speak with your Baptist Health allergy and asthma provider. If you don't have one, you can find a provider using our provider directory.