Perilla Seeds (Nei Lieh): Perilla is an herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The oil extracted from Perilla leaves is rich in omega3 fatty acids. The plant overall resembles the stinging nettle, though the leaves are somewhat rounder. The flowers bloom in August-September and by November the flowers become dry and the seeds are harvested. These are Nei-lieh or Perilla seeds. Nei Lieh is not the same as what is known as ‘white sesame’ in the rest of India. It is altogether another type called Perilla seed.
