Umeboshi is used as a Japanese remedy to treat common cold and flu, help digestion and increase the appetite, help stop diarrhoea, vomiting and sweating, relieve nausea and hangover, and help combat aging.
Umeboshi (梅干, dried ume) are pickled ume fruits. In Japan, umeboshi are usually served as side dishes.
Umeboshi is said to fight bacteria. Many Japanese believe that placing an umeboshi on the rice will inhibit bacteria. Scientists believe that umeboshi may have mild antibacterial effects due to its salty and sour tastes. The salt (over 20%) in umeboshi acts as a preservative.
A Japanese folk remedy for treating colds and flus is to make a rice congee with umeboshi.
The sour and salty umeboshi also helps digestion and increases the appetite.
Umeboshi has astringent property, thus it helps stop diarrhoea, vomiting, runny nose, excessive urination, sweating and period.
Eating umeboshi is said to relieve hangover and prevent nausea.
Many Japanese believe that umeboshi can combat fatigue and delay aging process.
For more information about kitchen and home remedies for cold, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/cold/
