Perilla (Vietnamese tía tô, Perilla frutescens) has long been used across East Asia both as a culinary herb and as a traditional remedy. A recent lifestyle post in Vietnam recommends three optimal moments to drink fresh perilla-leaf water — and while the herb does contain bioactive compounds that can support health, researchers and clinicians say timing, dose and individual health conditions matter. Below I summarise the article’s practical tips and add evidence and safety notes from scientific studies and health authorities. (Original Vietnamese article). Tạp Chí Đời Sống

Quick summary: the three best times (practical rule)

The Vietnamese post’s core recommendation is simple and easy to remember: drink perilla-leaf water about 10–30 minutes before the three main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The rationale given is that this timing helps the body absorb minerals better, may assist digestion and — according to traditional claims — can support fat metabolism and skin health when used regularly in small amounts. The post also cautions not to substitute the tea for plain water and suggests limiting intake to roughly 3–4 small glasses a day, split across meals. (Tap Chi Doi Song). Tạp Chí Đời Sống

What modern studies say about perilla’s benefits

Perilla leaves and their extracts contain flavonoids, phenolic acids and omega-3 precursors (alpha-linolenic acid) that have been linked in lab and human studies to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improvements in lipid profiles, and modest benefits for markers of cardiovascular risk. Randomised human trials of perilla leaf powder have reported small improvements in oxidised LDL and home blood-pressure readings over weeks to months in some participants. Animal and cell studies also support anti-inflammatory and respiratory-protective actions described in traditional medicine. These data suggest there is biochemical plausibility for some of the claimed benefits — but results vary by preparation, dose and study design. PMC+2PMC+2

How to prepare and use perilla leaf water (safe, practical tips)

• Use fresh leaves or a measured dried equivalent. The Vietnamese piece advises drinking freshly made perilla water within 24 hours and not boiling for more than 15 minutes, to avoid evaporating volatile oils that carry much of the herb’s aroma and activity; that practical advice aligns with common herbal-tea preparation guidance. Tạp Chí Đời Sống+1

• Suggested routine (if you tolerate it): steep a handful of fresh leaves (or 1–2 teaspoons dried) in hot — not rolling-boiling — water for 5–10 minutes and sip 10–30 minutes before meals, up to three times daily, rather than drinking large volumes at once. (This mirrors the original post’s three-times/meal suggestion while moderating dose.) Tạp Chí Đời Sống+1

Important safety notes and who should be cautious

• Don’t replace plain water. The Vietnamese post warns explicitly against using perilla water as a substitute for regular drinking water; that’s sensible — herbal teas add variety but do not replace daily hydration needs. Tạp Chí Đời Sống

• Possible effects on blood pressure and medications. Some human trials suggest perilla preparations can affect lipid and blood-pressure markers; if you have hypertension, are taking blood-pressure medicine, anticoagulants, or other prescribed drugs, check with your doctor before adding regular perilla tea. Herbal products can interact with medications or alter physiological parameters. (See WebMD/Drugs.com safety notes and clinical trial summaries.) WebMD+1

• Pregnancy, surgery and medical conditions. Perilla supplements or concentrated extracts may be contraindicated before surgery or in pregnancy due to potential interactions or effects; tell your clinician about any herbal products you use. Drugs.com

• Watch for side effects. The original Vietnamese article lists warning signs — fatigue, loss of appetite, shallow breathing, dizziness, constipation, or reddish urine — and says to stop use if these occur. Scientific sources also recommend stopping herbal use and seeking medical advice for unexpected symptoms. Tạp Chí Đời Sống+1

Bottom line — a practical, evidence-informed takeaway

Perilla leaf tea (tía tô) is a pleasant, low-risk herbal drink for many people and contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The simple rule from the Vietnamese piece — 10–30 minutes before each main meal, split into small servings (≈3–4 glasses/day) — is a reasonable, conservative approach for healthy adults who enjoy the taste. However, the scientific literature is still evolving: while there are encouraging human trials showing modest benefits (for example, for oxidised LDL and blood-pressure markers), perilla is not a substitute for medical treatment. People who are pregnant, on medications (especially blood-pressure drugs or blood thinners), have major heart or liver conditions, or are planning surgery should consult a clinician before using perilla as a regular remedy. Drugs.com+3Tạp Chí Đời Sống+3PMC+3