Q. The perilla oil diet seems to be quite popular these days. As a practitioner of Korean medicine, what is your take on it? Should I give it a try?

I once tried taking a spoonful of perilla oil on an empty stomach to improve my health, but I ended up feeling dizzy and suffered from indigestion. In Korean medicine, perilla oil is highly regarded for its ability to resolve 'Blood Stasis' (Eohyeol) and purify the blood. Since improved circulation increases your metabolic rate, it can certainly aid in weight loss. However, every benefit has its drawbacks. First, perilla oil is very high in calories; even healthy fats can cause weight gain if overconsumed. Those with a 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo) constitution—characterized by weak digestion—must be particularly cautious. A sudden intake of oil can easily lead to diarrhea or digestive discomfort. Instead of cleansing the body, it may inadvertently cause the accumulation of 'Phlegm-rheum' (Dameum), a type of metabolic waste. Therefore, I suggest using perilla oil as a supporting ingredient to add flavor rather than the main focus. It is much gentler on the stomach to drizzle it over seasoned vegetables or salads than to drink it raw in the morning. If you feel nauseous or experience frequent bowel movements after consumption, consider it a warning sign from your stomach. In such cases, stop the regimen and visit a Korean medicine clinic to have your digestive health evaluated.