It's hard to believe, but 2025 is almost over.
As the year draws to a close, things become hectic, and it's easy to accumulate fatigue without realizing it.
This blog post is on the theme of "Taking Care of Yourself at the First Signs of a Cold."
I would be most grateful if you would read to the end.
This season brings both cold and dryness, leading to symptoms like "a vague feeling of chilliness" or "a scratchy throat."
You become more susceptible to early cold symptoms.
In Oriental medicine, the onset of a cold is considered a state where cold or harmful "wind" has entered the body through its surface (the skin).
Since it hasn't penetrated deep into the body yet, addressing it at this stage is crucial to prevent it from worsening.
The process of expelling the "cold" that has settled on the body's surface is called "releasing the exterior."
The pungent taste is useful for resolving exterior syndromes.
In Oriental medicine, the term "pungent" does not refer to the strong, sharp stimulation found in chili peppers.
Pungency refers to a flavor that possesses properties such as "enhancing aroma," "improving bodily circulation," and "promoting outward dispersion."
Therefore, there are many ingredients that are classified as spicy even if they don't feel spicy when eaten.
◎The Effects of Spiciness and Recommended Ingredients
① Warm your body and work up a gentle sweat.
→Recommended for colds caused by the cold
ingredients
Ginger, green onions, shiso leaves, cinnamon, cilantro, wasabi, etc.
At times like this
・I feel chills
・Clear, runny nose
・Not sweating
・On cold mornings when your body is chilled
Just add a little to warm soup or miso soup for a perfect touch.
② Relieve sore throat, headache, and stiff shoulders
→Recommended when inflammation begins
ingredients
Mint, chrysanthemum, kudzu, daikon radish, lotus root, etc.
At times like this
・Sore throat
・My head feels heavy
・Neck and shoulder stiffness
Gently releases heat trapped in the body.
Recommended kudzu remedy: Grate an apple, dissolve it in kudzu starch, and warm it over low heat.
Simultaneously cares for your throat, stomach, and physical recovery.
In closing
Colds are characterized by rapidly changing symptoms, and in Eastern medicine, it is said that "wind is the leader of a hundred diseases."
Early care before it worsens is important.
Wishing you a wonderful year-end.