Traditional Japanese Cold Remedies Are Nothing to Sneeze At

Colds are very common in Japan, especially during the winter. It's no wonder that people have concocted ways to bear up under the sniffles, fever, and general discomfort of a cold. Modern cold medications are readily available today, yet some people prefer traditional remedies because they offer some relief. The remedies below are the distillation of generations of wisdom. As with many illnesses, it's often best to consult a doctor, so we caution you against relying exclusively on the remedies that follow.

For Throat colds:

Leek bandage

The Particulars: Cut the white part of the leek into 10 cm lengths. Slice the leek lengthwise to the center so as to open it up. Place the outer skin of the leek over an open flame until it softens and the moisture of the leek begins to appear. At this point, wrap the leek in gauze or a light towel. Place this wrapped leek around your neck such that the inside of the leek is next to your neck. Repeat the process 3-5 times per day so as to keep a fresh leek around your neck.

Tea Gargle

For throat colds it's helpful to gargle with black or green tea. Tea contains elements which kill strains of bacteria that are associated with colds and pneumonia. This remedy is often used as a preventive measure.

For a cold in which you are chilled:

Egg-Alcohol remedy

When you have the chills, you need a remedy that warms the body. High-energy, high-calorie foods that are easily digested are just the thing for banishing the chills. Eggs fit these criteria. They're also high in Vitamin B2. This combination helps you beat the chills.

The Particulars: Place about a cup of sake and a raw egg into a pan. Heat the mixture until the egg begins to thicken. You may add honey or sugar to taste. Drink while still warm. If you don't want the effects of alcohol, you may bring the sake to a near boil, allow it to cool, and then add the egg.

Umeboshi (pickled plum) in hot water

This remedy also reputedly helps beat the chills.

The Particulars: Combine ginger and/or sugar to taste with the desired quantity of umeboshi. Add hot water, stir, and drink. Umm! Alternatively, you may grill your umeboshi before eating them.

The Nutritional approach to beating a cold

Grilled Tangerine

Vitamin C plays an important role in recovering from a cold. Tangerine oranges ("mikan") are a good source of vitamin C.

The Particulars: Grill the orange with the peel on until the peel is thoroughly charred. Peel and eat. Alternatively, you may squeeze the juice from a tangerine orange into a glass, add hot water and sugar to taste, and drink.

For runny-nose colds

Hot ginger drink

Many remedies included focus on warming the body so as to induce a fever that would hasten recovery. Ginger helps in this respect because it reputedly aids circulation. It induces a sweat which in turn helps dissipate a fever. When your nose is stopped up, ginger is just the thing.

The Particulars: Grate ginger until you have a healthy pinch of it. Place in a cup and fill with hot water, adding sugar or honey to taste.