Grandmothers’ Wisdom for Staying Healthy

Life in Japan – Issue 013

The cold has truly settled in, and the air has grown quite dry. How are you all holding up? I hope you aren’t suffering from any winter colds or feeling under the weather.

In Japan, we are fortunate to have the 国民皆保険 (Kokumin-kaihoken) - Universal health insurance system, allowing anyone to access high-quality medical care with ease. While this modern system is something we take great pride in, did you know that parallel to it, there exists a world of unique, slightly mysterious “grandmother’s remedies” that are still cherished in Japanese homes?

Some of these traditions might seem puzzling at first glance, yet they are surprisingly logical and rooted in the profound heritage of 養生 (Yojo) - Holistic life nurturing—the art of healing the body through the hidden powers of nature. Are you ready to discover these intriguing secrets from the Japanese winter kitchen?

長ネギ (Naga-negi) — Japanese Leek

At the first sign of a cold, especially with a sore throat or chills, there is a tradition of wrapping a roasted Japanese leek around the neck. You may have seen this curious scene in Japanese manga or anime. While it might look like a simple おまじない (Omajinai) - A small act of ritual magic, it is believed that inhaling the volatile compounds (allicin) from the leek helps clear nasal congestion and soothe inflammation. Even for modern Japanese people, “wearing” a leek rather than eating it can be a surprising sight, but our grandmothers’ generation truly believed in its power.

Wrap the roasted Japanese leek in a towel like this and tie it around your neck. Interestingly, you can even find specially designed "leek mufflers" sold in Japan just for this purpose. Quite fascinating, isn't it?

大根 (Daikon) — Japanese Radish

To soothe a sore throat, 大根 (Daikon) - Japanese radish has been a staple in Japanese homes since ancient times. We cut the radish into small cubes and steep them in honey; after a few hours, a clear syrup forms as the radish releases its moisture. This is called “Daikon Honey.” The natural anti-inflammatory properties of the radish combine with the antibacterial power of the honey to gently protect the throat’s delicate lining.

Credit:はちみつマイスターおしゅんのブログ

寒たまご (Kan-tamago) — Midwinter Eggs

Eggs laid during the coldest days of winter, known as 寒たまご (Kan-tamago) - Midwinter eggs, have long been believed to hold a special life force. Because chickens endure the harsh cold by concentrating their nutrients, these eggs are exceptionally nourishing. They are considered a precious seasonal charm, and it is said that eating them will grant you good health for the entire year.

卵酒 (Tamago-zake) — Egg Sake

On nights when you are too cold to sleep, we make 卵酒 (Tamago-zake), a Japanese version of eggnog. It’s made by whisking a raw egg into warm sake with a bit of sugar or honey. The alcohol promotes circulation while the egg provides nutrients, warming you to the core and inviting deep sleep. To be honest, I have never tried it myself! I imagine the idea of drinking a raw egg mixed with alcohol might require a bit of courage for those of you abroad, but it is a special winter treat made possible by the exceptional freshness of eggs in Japan.

梅干し (Umeboshi) — Pickled Plum

The 梅干し (Umeboshi) - Pickled plum, a staple of the Japanese table, transforms when a cold strikes. We toast it until it’s nearly black, creating “Yaki-umeboshi” (Roasted Plum). Research shows that heating the plum produces a compound called “mumefural,” which significantly boosts blood flow. This improves metabolism and is even said to be effective for dieting and preventing lifestyle-related diseases. I personally love Umeboshi so much that it is my number one recommendation for you to try when you visit Japan.

This is the 梅干し (Umeboshi) - Pickled plum before it is roasted. It has a sharp, delightful sourness that is truly delicious.

金柑 (Kinkan) — Kumquat

The bright yellow 金柑 (Kinkan) - Kumquat has been prized as a remedy for the throat for generations. By simmering them whole in sugar to make 甘露煮 (Kanroni) - Candied kumquats, we consume all the vitamins and essential oils found in the peel. Tucking one into your mouth when your throat feels scratchy brings a refreshing aroma and sweetness that calms the inflammation.

This is 甘露煮 (Kanroni) - Candied kumquats. When my throat feels scratchy, this is exactly what I crave.

柚子湯 (Yuzu-yu) — Yuzu Bath

The wisdom for dispelling winter’s chill extends to the bath as well. We float golden yuzu fruits in the dark water of the tub, a practice known as 柚子湯 (Yuzu-yu) - Yuzu bath. The essential oils in the peel stimulate circulation, keeping the body warm long after you step out of the bath. While it carries the meaning of 禊 (Misogi) - Ritual purification to ward off negativity, the sight of fruit bobbing in the bath is simply charming and healing.

This is 柚子湯 (Yuzu-yu) - Yuzu bath. It might look a bit strange to see fruit floating in a bathtub, but the aroma is wonderful and it warms the body right to the bone.

お粥 (Okayu) — Rice Porridge & Udon

When the body is weak and the stomach is sensitive, Japanese people almost always turn to a bowl of pure white お粥 (Okayu) - Rice porridge or soft, simmered udon noodles. These are easy to digest, allowing the body to absorb nutrients without wasting energy. The photo I’ve shared is actually the porridge my mother made for me when I caught a cold while staying at my parents’ home. Along with the rising white steam, it is the most fundamental recovery food—like taking in a mother’s kindness.

This is the お粥 (Okayu) - Rice porridge my mother made for me. Along with the rising steam, her kindness warms my heart and body through and through.

I believe that the kitchen wisdom I’ve shared today is about more than just medical efficacy; it is, above all, about the act of “caring” for yourself or someone else. Accepting the cycles of nature and healing the body with the power of the seasons is a small habit that can bring a sense of peace to our busy modern lives. Spring is just around the corner. Until then, please eat something warm and stay healthy.

—Written by Sumire