Home — World self-care & traditional therapies — Food & herbs

Umeboshi (pickled Japanese plum)

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: Japan · Tradition: Japanese food-based yojo · Food & herbs

What it is

A plum pickled with salt and often shiso. It has traditionally been used when tired, in summer fatigue, when appetite is low, or to freshen the mouth. It is a high-salt food.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

1. As a side to a meal, or in a little hot water, starting from about one a day.
2. People on a salt limit should use less, or choose a lower-salt product.
3. Do not use it in place of medicine.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

• Tiredness
• Constipation or digestion
• Early signs of a cold

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

D: Traditional use only. This review did not find enough clinical research on the practice itself

The sources were not confirmed in this review.

It is a well-established food custom, but high-quality clinical evidence that it treats a specific symptom was not found in this review. The salt load can be unfavourable for people with high blood pressure.