Grandmothers in Japan have a time-tested secret for minor illnesses and health remedies – it’s the humble “umeboshi.”

Umeboshi, should be designated as superfood, being one of the most prevalent items in Japanese kitchens. Known for its tart, sour, and salty flavor derived from its high citric content, Umeboshi frequently graces bento boxes for many of Japanese people. Moreover, it has served as a home remedy for various ailments in Japan for over a millennium.

In my childhood, I believed nearly everything my grandmother said, except for one seemingly peculiar remedy – placing umeboshi on the temples for a headache.

The process involves tearing the plum flesh and sticking it on both temples. As a child, the idea of putting food on my face was beyond belief, and the sight of it seemed too comical to be taken seriously. 😂

However, I vividly recall that, after about an hour of applying umeboshi, the previous headache somehow alleviated.

Umeboshi boasts a myriad of traditional uses as a folk remedy, and its list of benefits seems endless.

Let’s delve into a slightly scientific perspective to understand why umeboshi is truly remarkable.

Firstly, citric acid is a key component of umeboshi. Known for preventing blood vessel aging, enhancing blood flow, and restoring pH balance skewed by excessive intake of acidic foods, citric acid sets the foundation for umeboshi’s health benefits.

Moreover, umeboshi contains other highly effective substances such asvanillin, and syringaresinol, each contributing to antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Recent studies even unveiled a substance called MK615 with potent anticancer effects, promising potential benefits in cancer prevention and treatment.

In terms of analgesic effects, a component found in umeboshi called phenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside which is similar to allicin discovered by historical figures like Hippocrates in ancient Greece in willow bark (an original ingredient in aspirin) which exhibits anti-inflammatory power, making Umeboshi excellent for pain relief and sedative effects.

Furthermore, the aromatic component of umeboshi, benzaldehyde, has a sedative effect. When combined with the effects of phenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, it seems scientifically sufficient proofs to alleviate headaches.

So, even the seemingly odd method of placing plum flesh on the temples pays tribute to… 

grandma’s wisdom, AGAIN!👵

However, a word of caution – opt for high-quality, natural Umeboshi. Cheap alternatives with chemical additives, commonly found in supermarkets, may not only be ineffective but also have the potential to harm your body.

Give it a try the next time you have a headache, and don’t forget to share your thoughts!

Stay tuned for the next and final episode, where we unveil more health secrets!

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