Health & Life

The Japanese often use this type of vegetable soaked in honey as a “longevity remedy”

The combination of honey with this type of root helps improve many health issues, boosts immunity, and prevents diseases.

Administrator

20 February, 2024

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Japan is a country with one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The people in this country value the habit of eating a balanced and nutritious diet for their bodies. They eat a variety of foods and do not overeat. Additionally, the Japanese people also prioritize eating seasonally appropriate foods.

In the daily diet of the Japanese, white radish is a type of food that frequently appears. People can use white radish to pickle, make soup, salad, curry, or shred it and eat it with raw fish…

Since the Edo period (1603-1868), the Japanese have had a habit of soaking white radish in honey to treat coughs, beautify the skin, and prevent cold winds.

White radish contains many isothiocyanates, so it has a slightly spicy taste. This substance stimulates white blood cells and inhibits bacterial growth.

Combining white radish with honey helps support respiratory function, warm the lungs, reduce coughing, relieve sore throat, regulate gas, and reduce phlegm.

People with weak lung function, or those who frequently experience dry throat, dry mouth, difficulty breathing, or fatigue, can drink white radish water with honey three times a day, for 2-3 consecutive days, to see results.

Honey has antibacterial properties, helps reduce acne, removes dead skin cells, and prevents excessive oil secretion.

According to traditional medicine, radish has the effect of cooling down the body, detoxifying, enhancing digestion, promoting air circulation, promoting diuresis, relieving coughs, and reducing phlegm. Meanwhile, honey has a warm nature that helps moisturize the lungs and relieve coughs.

Honey and radish also contain many antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and prevent diseases in the body.

To make honey-soaked radish, you will need some white radish and pure honey.

Peel and dice the radish. Put the radish in a glass jar and pour honey into the jar until the radish is completely submerged. Close the jar tightly and leave it at room temperature overnight. Then, you can store this mixture in the refrigerator to use gradually.

When using, take a small amount of honey-soaked radish and dilute it with warm water and drink. If you don’t have warm water, you can also mix it with black tea.

Note that people who feel tired, weak, have a pale face, experience diarrhea, or urinate frequently should not consume too much white radish because this type of food has a cooling nature.

People with diabetes or obesity should consult a doctor before using honey. Children under 1 year old should not use honey.

Frequently asked questions

The practice originates from traditional Japanese medicine, which believes that the combination of honey and certain vegetables has powerful health benefits. Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while the vegetables provide essential nutrients and antioxidants. Together, they are thought to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote overall longevity.

One of the most popular vegetables used in this remedy is the Japanese sweet potato, known as ‘Satsuma-imo’. Other vegetables include carrots, daikon radish, and burdock root. These vegetables are believed to have medicinal properties and are often used in traditional Japanese cuisine as well.

The preparation method is simple: peel and slice the chosen vegetable, soak it in raw honey for several hours or overnight, and then consume the vegetable along with the honey. It can be eaten as a snack or side dish, or even added to salads, smoothies, or yogurt.

While there may be limited scientific studies specifically on this traditional remedy, the individual benefits of honey and the nutrients in these vegetables are well-documented. Honey has been studied for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, while the vegetables provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Yes, it is important to source raw, unprocessed honey of high quality to ensure it retains its beneficial properties. Additionally, while honey is generally safe for most people, infants under one year old should not consume it due to the risk of botulism. As with any dietary change, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medication.