Perilla oil comes from the seeds of Perilla frutescens, also called the beefsteak plant. Perilla oil is rich in the Omega-3 EFA alpha-linolenic acid (LNA), which is also found in flax seed oil. Essential fatty acids are considered "essential" because they are the main structural components of the body's cell membranes, but cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.
Perilla oil is available as capsules and as cold-pressed oil, which can be used as food or for cosmetic use.