Catching a cold in Japan – Natural remedies and Medical treatments

The weather this year has been quite different since last year, including higher temperatures and less rain.

It is being said that we won’t have much of an Autumn season this year, so temperatures are expected to change suddenly.

Here are some suggestions of how to get ready for the Cold and Flu season this winter!

Besides the usual medicinal options, there are also some classic Japanese Obaa-chan-approved natural prevention methods:

 Natural Japanese Cold Remedies

Umeboshi (pickled plum)

– Umeboshi has wonderful medicinal qualities. This includes having an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to fight fatigue, a hangover rescue, and aiding digestion.

Hachimitsu-Daikon (Honey with Daikon)

– Hachimitsu-daikon is a Japanese form of cough and throat syrup.

Daikon (white Japanese radish)

– Daikon is packed with Vitamin C and rich in special enzymes that act as mucolytic agents. This helps to dissolve and expel mucus. Honey is a natural antibiotic that has anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these properties are effective in soothing throat inflammation.

Shoga-Yu (Hot Ginger Tea)

– Tea made from ginger has high levels of vitamin C and amino acids, as well as various trace elements such as calcium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and many others.

Okayu (Boiled Rice Porridge)

– Okayu is a staple to serve to family members who are battling a cold or flu. This is because it’s easy to eat and digest, and contains important nutrients.

Tamago-zake (Hot Sake & Egg)

– While it doesn’t sound very pleasant, it is an ancient Japanese natural remedy for stubborn colds and flus. Said to bring on deep sleep while strengthening the immune system, this drink is best consumed before bedtime, and of course, in moderation.

Learn how to make these natural Japanese cold remedies here.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Another natural way to increase your Vitamin C intake is a diet of healthy foods, such as:

・Citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit)
・Bell peppers
・Strawberries
・Tomatoes
・Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower)
・White potatoes

Best Cold and Flu Medicine in Japan

If you prefer something from the pharmacy, there are lots of options to choose from.

Here are some recommended brands you can buy in most drug stores:

・Stona EX
・Paralon Cold EX Gold
・Parbon Medical N

You can learn more about these Japanese cold medicine brands here. These suggestions include medication that can be given to adults as well as children.

Most medicines should come with a few options for easy ingestion, i.e. tablets, powders or even liquid form. Please ask the resident pharmacist for their suggestions.

Influenza Treatment in Japan

If you would like more in depth information about treating influenza in Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has lots of good advice.

Here you can find out how to tell the difference between different types of influenza. You can also learn credible information about influenza drugs and vaccines.

Convenience stores

Convenience stores have various Vitamin C drinks, gummies, and lozenges that you can get any time of the day. Just be careful of the sugar content – it can be surprisingly high!

Convenience stores also stock basic cold and flu medicine if the pharmacy is closed

We hope you have a wonderful and healthy upcoming winter!