Having colds is probably the most troublesome thing that happens to us every year – unless, of course, you get yourself a flu shot. You don’t know who has it and it spreads by touch. On a very busy day, you probably wont know who touched who. And then you’ll just be surprised that you suddenly catched it.
Studies show that 1 out of 5 working adults get at least 1 cold a year. Normally, adults get to have 2-4, and children get cold around 6 to 8 times per year.
The thing is, colds aren’t deadly but it’s symptoms are weakening. If you don’t have a cold right now, imagine – fatigue, nasal congestion or runny nose, sore throat, and a productive cough. Yes, all that mucus, feel it in your throat.
Japanese Natural Remedies for Colds
However, don’t beat yourself up when you catch it. It is perfectly normal to have it. But to give you relief during this time, I’m here to give you 4 Japanese ways of dealing with this illness and discomfort. Just try these remedies daily and you’ll get better overtime.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is well known to prevent colds, and it’s a powerhouse in purging that sickness off your silly body. It’s full of antioxidants, it helps your body with metabolism, can kill harmful bacteria of all kinds, and will keep you young, skinny, and healthy – like a cherry on top.
2. Shiitake Mushrooms
Definitely known to be part of almost every famous Japanese dish, the shiitake mushrooms. The best part of it is the fact that it boosts your metabolism. That might not sound like too much, but the faster your body recovers from this annoying discomfort we call a cold, the better. So, don’t skip on your shiitake mushrooms.
3. Pickled Turnips
Pickled turnips are also known as suguki. It’s a picked version of the Japanese turnip, sugukina. According to research, pickled turnips, or suguki, contain a strain of bacteria that alleviates flu.
Yes, do everything to get rid of colds and add suguki to your diet, at least now that you’re sneezing and in bed.
4) Picked Plums
I know, it’s not the most delicious option for now. But doesn’t medicine often taste weird?
This might not be for everyone due to the taste and besides, you’re not meant to eat it as is. Go cook it on low heat or chop them in small pieces, add them to tea – add honey and lemon for extra umph.
Pickled plum, or also known as Umeboshi, is good to combat fatigue, stimulate the digestive system, and will help with a terrible hangover.
Your best friend after drinking might not be as terrible as it tastes the first time, and yes, eating umeboshi pays off.
Conclusion
There are other ways to deal with colds here in Japan. This is just a few from the list but certainly the best home remedies out there especially when you want to treat your colds in the fastest ways possible on top of prescribed medicines. But if you are up for it, you can always add these healthy ingredients to your diet to boost your immune system and to be more resistant to sickness, most especially, on colds. But also take your vitamins, eat a full meal, and exercise everyday and stay healthy. You owe that to yourself.
References:
https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/1555/