How to Avoid Catching a Cold in Japan
Winter is coming to Japan, which means cold and flu season is upon us. In crowded big cities like Tokyo, it is easy to find yourself getting sick all through the winter. To try to keep you as healthy as can be this winter, let's look at what people in Japan do to stay healthy.
How Japanese People Protect Themselves from Colds
There are a variety of things Japanese people do to protect themselves from getting sick. Here are some of the most common ones.
・Wearing Masks: Wearing masks is one of the most common ways Japanese people try to avoid colds, especially in winter. People wear masks not only to prevent the spread of germs but also to keep their nasal passages and throat moist. Mask-wearing is especially effective in public places like trains or offices where it is impossible to avoid being close to others.
・Drinking Warm Beverages: Drinking warm beverages in winter is both soothing and thought to be a preventative measure against colds. Popular warm beverages in Japan include ginger tea, honey lemon tea, and green tea. Green tea in particular is thought to help prevent colds.
・Taking Warm Baths: Taking a bath can enhance blood flow, help you relax, and improve overall immune function. Japanese people often add bath salts or natural herbs to the water for added benefits. Note that if you do get sick, taking a hot bath when you have a fever is probably not a good idea.
・Gargling and Handwashing: Gargling with salt water or specialized antiseptic solutions (these can be found at any drugstore) is common in Japan, especially after returning home. And of course, washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent viral infections.
・Herbal Medicine (Kampo-yaku): Many Japanese people use traditional herbal medicines to treat early cold symptoms. The idea is that. if you treat the symptoms as soon as they start, they won't be as bad later. Common remedies include:
Kakkontō (葛根湯): Used for early-stage colds, muscle aches, and chills.
Shōsaikōtō (小柴胡湯): Helps relieve fatigue and sore throat symptoms.
Cold-Preventing Foods
Here are some Japanese foods that have tons of health benefits, which can help you avoid colds.
・Leeks: Japanese leeks are often added to soups and hot pots. They have antibacterial properties and help improve circulation. A common cold remedy is miso soup with leeks.
・Ginger: Ginger is known for its warming effects. It promotes sweating, improves digestion, and alleviates cold symptoms. Ginger can be added to soups, teas, or rice dishes.
・Mandarins: Mandarins are popular in winter in Japan. They are high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. They are often eaten as snacks or included in desserts.
・Pickled Plums: Known as umeboshi in Japanese, these have natural antibacterial and detoxifying properties. Eating them with rice is a simple way to help support your immune system.
・Daikon Radish: Daikon is believed to aid digestion and relieve congestion. Grated daikon mixed with honey is a traditional home remedy for sore throats.
・Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms are also thought to help boost the immune system. They are commonly used in a range of soups and stir-fry dishes.
・Yuzu Citrus: This popular, aromatic citrus is high in vitamin C. Yuzu is often used in teas, sauces, or as an additive for baths.
Items in Winter to Help Prevent Colds
There are many goods you can find in Japan to help prevent colds. Here are some of the popular ones.
・Yuzu Bath Products: Yuzu baths are a winter tradition, especially around the beginning of winter. Adding yuzu citrus fruits or yuzu-scented bath salts to your bathwater helps improve circulation and soothes the skin. The citrus aroma is also believed to be calming, reducing stress and aiding recovery.
・Ginger and Yuzu Drinks: Seasonal hot drinks featuring ginger and yuzu are sold in convenience stores and cafes all over Japan. These drinks keep you warm and are full of vitamin C.
・Heating Packs (Kairo, カイロ): These disposable heating packs are widely available and can be placed on clothing to warm specific areas of the body. While not directly treating colds, they are useful for keeping the body warm, which is vital when you are sick.
・Special Winter Soups: Many convenience stores and supermarkets release limited-edition soups such as ginger chicken soup or miso soup with vegetables. These soups are quick, convenient, nutrient-rich options for busy individuals.
・Herbal Teas: Seasonal teas featuring ingredients like yuzu, ginger, or chamomile are readily available in winter. These teas help with relaxation, hydration, and soothing the throat.
・Vitamin C Lozenges and Candies: Convenience stores stock seasonal candies rich in vitamin C, often flavored with lemon or yuzu. These are handy for soothing a scratchy throat.
・Onsen-Inspired Bath Salts: These bath products are infused with herbs or minerals and mimic the effects of Japanese hot springs. They are marketed as a way to relieve muscle aches and fatigue while boosting your circulation.
Preventing Dry Air in Your Home
Japanese winters are cold and dry, which can make cold symptoms like sore throats even worse. Keeping the humidity in your home at a comfortable level can be a huge benefit to your health during the winter months. Here are some ways to keep your home humidified.
・Using a Humidifier: A humidifier is one of the most efficient tools for controlling indoor humidity, but it is one of the most expensive ways to do so. Aim to keep the humidity level between 40-60%, as this range is ideal for reducing dryness without making it more likely for mold to grow. Many Japanese homes use ultrasonic or steam humidifiers, which can be bought at any electronics store or online. If you buy a humidifier for your home, put it somewhere you spend a lot of time, such as in the bedroom or living room.
・Hanging Wet Towels: Hanging wet towels indoors is a quick and cheap way to add moisture to the air. After washing towels, hang them on a rack or door handle in your room instead of drying them outside. The drying process helps increase humidity naturally. For better results, use larger towels and place them near heat sources like radiators or air vents to make them dry faster.
・Houseplants: Indoor plants are not just decorative--they also act as natural humidifiers. Plants release water vapor into the air, which keeps your home from becoming too dry. Some plants, such as peace lilies, Boston ferns, and areca palms, are especially effective at adding moisture to the air.
Using Steam: Everyday activities like cooking can also help humidify your home. Boiling water for tea or preparing hot pot meals (nabe) releases steam into the air, which adds moisture. Similarly, taking a hot shower with the bathroom door open can help humidify nearby parts of your home.
