Benefits– category –

Mitsuba is said to ease cold and coughs brought on by wind-cold, and to improve the circulation of qi. Added to a clear soup or a hotpot, its distinctive fresh aroma lifts the whole dish. As well as warming the body, it enriches the colour and flavour of a dish, so it works across a great many of them.

Myoga is said to encourage sweating and settle the circulation of qi. Bringing it in during muggy weather helps refresh the body. Used as a garnish on chilled somen or cold tofu, its aroma comes forward and adds freshness.

Leek is said to have the power to warm the body and to help ease trouble brought on by cold. Added to a hotpot or a soup its natural sweetness spreads, and it warms you to the core. Grilled, its sweetness and roasted aroma come forward and lift the whole dish.

Coriander is said to encourage sweating and settle the circulation of qi. In muggy weather or when your appetite drops, adding it to a soup or a salad brings a fresh flavour.

Shiso is said to improve the circulation of qi and help settle the gut gently. When you want to warm a cold body, try bringing it into a soup or a hotpot.

Okra is said to moisten the gut and cool heat trapped in the body. When the heat leaves you heavy, or constipation is on your mind, try it in nibitashi or a soup. Its distinctive stickiness gives a dish a smoothness and settles the body gently.

Ginger is said to warm the body and ease trouble brought on by cold. It can be looked to for caring for the throat and gut while helping the appetite. On a cold day, add it to a soup or a simmered dish and make something that warms you to the core.

Cabbage is said to care for the gut and help digestion. When your stomach feels heavy or tiredness will not lift, try it raw in a salad, or simmered to draw out its sweetness.

Taro is a neutral ingredient with sweet and pungent flavours, and can be looked to for easing excess fluid and swelling in the body. When you notice swelling or a lumpy, knotted feeling under the skin, pick up some taro at the supermarket.

Beetroot can be looked to for helping the flow of blood and settling circulation. When poor circulation shows as irregular or painful periods or stiff muscles, do try dishes made with beetroot. Nourishing and beautiful in colour, it is easy to bring to the everyday table in soups, salads and smoothies.