Feeling a Cold Coming On?

Why Japanese Umeboshi Might Be the Natural Remedy You Didn’t Know You Needed.

When I was growing up in Japan, my grandmother had a go-to cure for just about everything: umeboshi — a small, salty-sour, fermented plum. Whether it was a sore throat, a stomach ache, or just feeling run down, she’d pop one in a cup of hot water and say, “Drink this, you’ll feel better.”
Turns out, she was onto something.

Umeboshi — once a battlefield essential for samurai to fight fatigue, stay strong, and support healing 

What Is Umeboshi?

Umeboshi (pronounced oo-meh-bo-shee) is a traditional Japanese food made from pickled and fermented plums. They’re intensely sour and salty, thanks to a combination of citric acid and sea salt, and they’ve been part of Japanese food and medicine culture for over a thousand years.
In fact, samurai used to carry umeboshi on the battlefield to fight fatigue and prevent illness.

Why Umeboshi Is a Go-To During Cold & Flu Season?

Here’s why this little fruit might help when you’re feeling under the weather:
• High in Citric Acid: Known for its antibacterial and fatigue-reducing properties
• Fermented & Gut-Friendly: Supports healthy digestion and immunity
• Antioxidant-Rich: Helps your body fight off inflammation and oxidative stress
• Stimulates Appetite: Useful when you don’t feel like eating, but need to
• Boosts Saliva Production: That strong sourness triggers your saliva glands — and saliva isn’t just for digestion. It actually contains natural enzymes that help kill bacteria and protect your mouth and throat. Think of it as your body’s own antibacterial rinse!
That intense sourness? It kicks your senses into gear and can even help cut through a foggy head or blocked nose.

Protect yourself naturally — your own saliva is your body’s best, most affordable antibacterial shield

How to Enjoy Umeboshi When You’re Sick

Here are some easy, warming ways to incorporate umeboshi into your routine:
1. Umeboshi Tea (Umeboshi-yu)
Simply place one umeboshi in a cup, add hot water, and lightly mash it with a spoon. Sip slowly.
Optional: Add a bit of grated ginger or honey for extra comfort.
2. With Rice Porridge (Okayu)
Perfect when you’re too tired to chew or cook. A warm, gentle meal that goes beautifully with umeboshi.
3. Umeboshi Onigiri (Rice Ball)
A classic Japanese comfort food. Easy to make, easy to digest.
4. Umeboshi + Ginger + Honey Mix
Blend one umeboshi with warm water, fresh ginger juice, and a touch of honey — soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Ume Sho Bancha – The perfect healing drink

A Quick Note on Choosing Umeboshi

Did you know that umeboshi literally means “dried ume”?
“Ume” is the Japanese word for plum, and “boshi” comes from the verb hosu, which means “to dry.” So traditionally, umeboshi are sun-dried plums, naturally fermented with sea salt and red shiso leaves.

But not all umeboshi sold today are made the traditional way. Many commercial products are:

• Soaked in sugar or vinegar solutions

• Contain MSG, preservatives, or artificial colorings

• Not sun-dried, which affects their health properties and taste

To enjoy the true health benefits, choose real, traditional umeboshi — the kind that are:

• Sun-dried
• Made with sea salt
• Coloured naturally with red shiso leaves 

These traditional plums have preserved their healing powers for generations — and your body deserves the real thing.

True umeboshi are sun-dried — ‘boshi’ literally means drying in Japanese

Final Thoughts: A Tiny Plum with Powerful Benefits

While it may be small (and yes, quite sour!), umeboshi is one of Japan’s most beloved natural remedies — packed with ancient wisdom and modern-day benefits.
Next time you’re feeling run down, skip the supermarket cold remedies and try what generations of Japanese have relied on for centuries.
It might just become your new favourite winter ritual.

You don’t live in Sydney?

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