Perilla (Perilla frutescens), commonly known as shiso, is a herb widely used in East Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Its use for supporting or treating insomnia is rooted primarily in traditional herbal practices, particularly within Chinese and Korean medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers perilla leaves to have calming properties, and they are sometimes included in herbal formulas designed to harmonize the mind and alleviate symptoms such as restlessness or mild anxiety, which can contribute to insomnia. However, perilla is far more commonly used for its purported benefits in respiratory and digestive complaints rather than as a primary remedy for sleep disorders.

Scientific validation for perilla’s use specifically for insomnia is minimal. There are a few preclinical studies suggesting that some constituents of perilla, such as rosmarinic acid and certain flavonoids, may exhibit mild anxiolytic or sedative effects in animal models. However, clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence is insufficient to recommend perilla as an effective treatment for insomnia. Therefore, while perilla's use for sleep problems is mostly justified by traditional practice, the scientific evidence to support this is very limited.