The following home remedies below are based on the traditional
oriental medicine of China and Japan. These remedies have
been used for thousands of years to alleviate various imbalances
caused by diet or unhealthy lifestyle.
They should be followed only after complete understanding
of their uses. If there is any doubt as to whether one should
use these remedies, please
seek out an experienced macrobiotic counselor for
proper use.
Bancha Stem Tea
Use for strengthening the metabolism in all sicknesses.
Use 1 tablespoon of tea to 1 quart of water, bring to a boil,
reduce flame, and simmer 4–5 minutes.
Brown Rice Cream
Used in cases when a person in a weakened condition
needs to be nourished and energized or when the digestive
system is impaired. Dry-roast brown rice evenly until all
the grains turn a yellowish color.
To one part rice, add a small amount of sea salt and 3–6
parts water, then pressure cook for at least 2 hours. Squeeze
out the creamy part of the cooked rice gruel through a sanitized
cheesecloth. Eat with a small volume of condiment, such as
umeboshi plum, gomasio (sesame salt), tekka, kelp, or other
seaweed powder.
Brown Rice Plaster
When the swelling of a boil or infection is not
opened by a taro plaster, a rice plaster can be used to help
reduce the fever around the infected area. Hand grind 70%
cooked brown rice, 20% raw green leafy vegetables, and raw
nori in a suribachi — the more grinding, the better.
(If the mixture is very sticky, add water.) Apply the paste
to the affected area. If the plaster begins to burn, remove
it, since it is no longer effective. To remove, rinse with
warm water to remove direct paste.
Buckwheat Plaster
Draws retained water and excess fluid from swollen
areas of the body.
Mix buckwheat flour with enough hot water to form a hard,
stiff dough. Apply in a 1/2-inch layer to the affected area;
tie in place with a bandage or piece of cotton linen, and
leave in place for up to 4 hours.
Special considerations for cancer cases: A buckwheat plaster
should be applied in cases where a patient develops a swollen
abdomen due to retention of fluid. If this fluid is surgically
removed, the patient may feel better temporarily but may suddenly
become much worse after several days. It is better to avoid
such a drastic procedure.
This plaster can be applied anywhere on the
body. In cases where a breast has been removed, for example,
the surrounding lymph nodes, the neck, or, in some cases,
the arm often become swollen after several months. To relieve
this condition, apply ginger compresses to the swollen area
for about 5 minutes, then apply a buckwheat plaster; replace
every 4 hours.
After removing the plaster, you may notice that fluid is coming
out through the skin or that the swelling is starting to go
down. A buckwheat plaster will usually eliminate the swelling
after only several applications, or at most after two or three
days.
Burdock Tea (dried root)
Use for strengthening vitality. To 1 portion of fresh
burdock shavings, add 10 times the amount of water. Bring
to a boil, reduce flame, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Carp Plaster
Reduces high fever, as in the case of pneumonia. Crush
and mash a whole, live carp and mix with a small amount of
whole-wheat flour. Spread this mixture onto oiled paper and
apply to the chest. When treating pneumonia, drink 1 or 2
teaspoons of carp blood, only in the case where the carp has
just been killed. Take the body temperature every half hour,
and immediately remove the carp plaster when the temperature
reaches normal.
Carrot-Daikon Drink
To eliminate excessive fats and help dissolve hardening
accumulation in the intestines. Grate 1 tablespoon of raw
daikon and carrot. Cook in 2 cups of water for 5–8 minutes
with a pinch of sea salt or 7–10 drops of tamari soy
sauce.
Daikon Radish Drink
Drink No. 1: May reduce a fever by inducing sweating.
Mix 1/2 cup grated fresh daikon with 1 tablespoon of tamari
soy sauce and 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger. Pour hot bancha
tea over this mixture, stir, and drink while hot.
Daikon
Drink No. 2: To induce urination. Use
a piece of cheesecloth to squeeze the juice from the grated
daikon. Mix 2 tablespoons of this juice with 6 tablespoons
of hot water to which a pinch of sea salt has been added.
Boil this mixture and drink only once a day. Do not use this
preparation more than three consecutive days without proper
supervision, and never use it without first boiling.
Drink No. 3: To help dissolve fat and
mucus. In a teacup, place 1 tablespoon fresh grated daikon
and a few drops of tamari soy sauce . Pour hot bancha tea
over mixture and drink. It is most effective when taken just
before sleeping. Do not use this drink longer than one week
unless otherwise advised by an experienced macrobiotic counselor.
Dandelion Root Tea
Strengthens the heart and small intestine function and
increases vitality. One tablespoon of root to 1 quart of water.
Bring to a boil, reduce flame, and simmer 10 minutes.
Dentie
Helps to prevent tooth problems, promotes a healthy
condition in the mouth, and stops bleeding anywhere in the
body by contracting expanded blood capillaries. Bake an eggplant,
particularly the calix, or cap, until black.
Crush into a powder and mix with 30–50% roasted sea salt.
Use daily as a tooth powder or apply to any bleeding area
(even inside the nostrils in case of nosebleed, by inserting
squeezed, wet tissue dipped in dentie into the nostril).
Dried Daikon Leaves
Used to warm the body and treat various disorders
of the skin and female sex organs. Also helpful in drawing
odors and excessive oils from the body. Dry fresh daikon leaves
in the shade, away from direct sunlight, until they turn brown
and brittle. (If daikon leaves are unavailable, turnip greens
may be substituted.) Boil 4–5 bunches of the leaves in
4–5 quarts water until the water turns brown. Stir in
a handful of sea salt and use in one of the following ways:
1. Dip cotton linen into the hot liquid
and wring lightly. Apply to the affected area repeatedly,
until the skin becomes completely red.
2. Women experiencing problems in their sexual organs
should sit in a hot bath to which the daikon leaves liquid
described above with the addition of 1 handful of sea salt
has been added. The water should come to waist level, with
the upper portion of the body covered with a towel. Remain
in the water until the whole body becomes warm and sweating
begins. This generally takes about 10 minutes.
Repeat as needed, up to ten days. Following the bath, douche
with warm bancha tea, a very small pinch of salt, and juice
of half a lemon.
Ginger Compress
Stimulates blood and body fluid circulation; helps
loosen and dissolve stagnated toxic matter, cysts, tumors,
etc.
Place a handful of grated ginger in a cheesecloth
and squeeze out the ginger juice into a pot containing 1 gallon
of hot water kept just below the boiling point, if you boil,
you will lose the power of the ginger. Dip a towel into the
ginger water (preferably a 100% cotton towel), wring it out
tightly, and apply, very hot, directly to the area to be treated.
A second, dry towel can be placed on top to reduce heat loss.
Apply a fresh hot towel every 2–3 minutes until the skin
becomes red.
Special considerations for cancer cases:
The ginger compress should be prepared in the usual manner.
However, it should be applied for only a short time (3–5
minutes maximum), to activate circulation in the affected
area, and should be followed immediately by a taro potato
or potato plaster.
If a ginger compress is applied repeatedly over an extended
period, it may accelerate the growth of the cancer, particularly
if it is a more yin variety.
The ginger compress should be considered only as preparation
for the taro plaster in cancer cases, not as an independent
treatment, and applied for several minutes only. Please seek
more specific recommendations from a qualified macrobiotic
advisor.
Ginger Sesame Oil
Activates the function of the capillaries, circulation,
and nerve reactions. Also relieves aches and pains. Mix the
juice of grated fresh ginger with an equal amount of sesame
oil.
Dip cotton linen into this mixture and rub briskly into the
skin of the affected area. This is also helpful for headache,
dandruff, and hair growth.
Grated Daikon
A digestive aid, especially for fatty, oily, heavy
foods and animal food. Grate fresh daikon (red radish or turnip
may be used if daikon is not available). Sprinkle with tamari
soy sauce and eat about 1 tablespoon. You may also use a pinch
of grated ginger.
Green Magma Tea
Young barley-grass powder. Good for reducing and melting
fats, cysts and tumors arising from animal foods. Pour hot
water over 1–2 teaspoons and drink. Consult a qualified
macrobiotic counselor for length of time to use.
Kombu Tea
Good for strengthening the blood.
Drink No. 1: Use one 3-inch strip of
kombu to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce flame, and
simmer 10 minutes.
Drink No. 2: Dry kombu in a 350°
oven for 10–15 minutes or until crisp. Grate 1/2 teaspoon
kombu into a cup and add hot water.
Kuzu (Kudzu)
Drink
Strengthens digestion, increases vitality,
and relieves general fatigue. Dissolve a heaping teaspoon
of kuzu powder in 2 teaspoons water and add to 1 cup cold
water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to the simmering
point, and stir constantly, until the liquid becomes a transparent
gelatin. Stir in 1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce and drink while
hot.
Lotus Root Plaster
Draws stagnated mucus from the sinuses, nose, throat,
and bronchi. Mix grated fresh lotus root with 10–15%
pastry flour and 5% grated fresh ginger. Spread a 1/2-inch
layer onto cotton linen and apply the lotus root directly
to the skin.
Keep on for several hours or overnight and repeat daily for
several days. A ginger compress can be applied before this
application, to stimulate circulation and loosen mucus in
the area being treated.
Lotus Root Tea
To aid in coughs and dissolving mucus. Grate 1/2
cup fresh lotus root, squeeze the juice into a pot, and add
a small amount of water. Cook for 8–10 minutes. Add a
pinch of sea salt and drink hot. If using dried lotus root,
cook in 1 cup of water for 12–15 minutes, add a pinch
of sea salt or tamari soy sauce, and drink hot.
Mugwort Tea
Good for ridding the body of worms and for jaundice. One
tablespoon mugwort to 1 quart water. Bring to a boil, reduce
flame, and simmer 5–10 minutes. Use carefully, so as
not to create constipation.
Mustard Plaster
Stimulates blood and body fluid circulation and
loosens stagnation. Add hot water to dry mustard powder and
stir well. Spread this mixture onto a paper towel and sandwich
between two thick cotton towels. Apply this “sandwich”
to the skin area, leave on until the skin becomes red and
warm, then remove. After removing, wipe off remaining mustard
plaster from the skin with towels.
Nachi Green Tea
To help dissolve and discharge animal fats and
reduce high cholesterol levels. Place 1/2 teaspoon tea into
the serving kettle. Pour 1 cup hot water over the tea and
steep for 3–5 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup per day.
Ranshio
Used to strengthen the heart and stimulate heartbeat and
blood circulation. Crush a raw egg and mix with 1 tablespoon
tamari soy sauce. Drink slowly. Use only once a day and for
no more than three days.
Raw Brown Rice and Seeds
Will help eliminate worms of various types. Skip
breakfast. Then, on an empty stomach, eat a handful of raw
brown rice with half a handful of raw seeds, such as pumpkin
or sunflower, and another half handful of chopped raw onion,
scallion, or garlic.
Chew everything very well, and have your regular meal later
in the day. Repeat for two to three days.
Roasted Barley Tea
Good for melting animal fat from the body. Roast
barley in a skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning,
until a fragrant aroma is detected. To 1 portion barley, add
10 times the amount of water . Bring to a boil, reduce flame,
and simmer 10 minutes.
This is a very nice summer drink and may also aid in the reduction
of fever.
Roasted Rice Tea
Good for all sicknesses. Prepare using the same
method as for roasted barley tea. This is also a good tea
for reducing fever.
Salt Bancha Tea
Used to loosen stagnation in the nasal cavity or
to cleanse the vagina. Add enough salt to warm bancha tea
(body temperature) to make it just a little less salty than
sea water.
Use the liquid to wash deep inside the nasal cavity through
the nostrils or as a douche. Salt bancha tea can also be used
as a wash for problems with the eyes, sore throat, and fatigue.
Salt Pack
Used to warm any part of the body. For the relief
of diarrhea, for example, apply the pack to the abdominal
region. Roast salt in a dry pan until hot, then wrap in a
thick cotton linen pillowcase or towel. Apply to the troubled
area and change when the pack begins to cool.
Salt Water
Cold salt water will contract the skin in the case
of burns, while warm salt water can be used to clean the rectum,
colon, and vagina. When the skin is damaged by fire, immediately
soak the burned area in cold salt water until irritation disappears.
Then apply vegetable oil to seal the wound from air. For constipation
or mucus or fat accumulation in the rectum, colon, and vagina,
use warm salt water (body temperature) as an enema or douche.
Scallion, Onion, or Daikon Juice
Neutralizes the poison of a bee sting or insect bite. Cut
either a scallion or daikon or their greens and squeeze out
the juice. (If you cannot obtain these vegetables, red radish
can be used.) Rub the juice thoroughly into the wound.
Sesame Oil
Use to relieve stagnated bowels or to eliminate
retained water. To induce the discharge of stagnated bowels,
take 1–2 tablespoons raw sesame oil with 1/4 teaspoon
ginger and tamari soy sauce on an empty stomach. To eliminate
water retention in the eyes, put a drop or two of pure sesame
oil (it is best to use dark sesame oil if available) in the
eyes with an eyedropper, preferably before sleeping.
Continue up to a week, until the eyes improve. Before using
the sesame oil for this purpose, remove impurities by boiling
it and then straining it through a sanitized cheesecloth.
Shiitake Mushroom Tea
Used to relax an overly tense, stressful condition and
help dissolve excessive animal fat. Soak a dried black shiitake
mushroom cut in quarters. Cook in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes
with a pinch of sea salt. Drink only 1/2 cup at a time.
Tamari Bancha Tea
Neutralizes an acidic blood condition, promotes
blood circulation, and relieves fatigue. Pour 1 cup hot bancha
twig tea over 1–2 teaspoons tamari soy sauce. Stir and
drink hot.
Tofu Plaster
More effective than an ice pack to draw out fever.
Squeeze the water from the tofu, mash it, then add 10–20%
pastry flour and 5% grated ginger. Mix the ingredients and
apply directly to the skin. Change every 2–3 hours, or
sooner if plaster becomes very hot.
Taro Potato (Albi) Plaster
Often used after a ginger compress to collect stagnated
toxic matter and draw it out of the body. Peel off potato
skin and grate the white interior. Mix with 5% grated fresh
ginger. Spread this mixture in a 1/2- inch-thick layer onto
fresh cotton linen and apply the taro side directly to the
skin. Change every 4 hours.
Taro potato can usually be obtained in most
major cities in the U.S. and Canada, from Chinese, Armenian,
or Puerto Rican grocery stores or natural food stores. The
skin of this vegetable is brown and covered with “hair.”
The taro potato is grown in Hawaii as well as the Orient.
Smaller taro potatoes are the most effective for use in this
plaster.
If taro is not available, a preparation using regular potato
can be substituted. While not as effective as taro, it will
still produce a beneficial result. Mix 50–60% grated
potato with 40–50% grated green leafy vegetables, mixing
them together in a suribachi. Add enough wheat flour to make
a paste and add 5% grated ginger. Apply as above.
Special considerations for cancer cases:
The taro plaster has the effect of drawing cancerous toxins
out of the body and is particularly effective in removing
carbon and other minerals often contained in tumors. If, when
the plaster is removed, the light-colored mixture has become
dark or brown, or if the skin where the plaster was applied
also takes on a dark color, this change indicates that excessive
carbon and other elements are being discharged through the
skin. This treatment will gradually reduce the size of the
tumor.
If the patient feels chilly from the coolness
of the plaster, a hot ginger compress, applied for 5 minutes
while changing plasters, will help relieve this. If chill
persists, roast sea salt in a skillet, wrap it in a towel,
and place it on top of the plaster. Be careful not to let
the patient become too hot from this salt application.
Ume Extract
Good for neutralizing an acid or nauseous condition
and diarrhea in the stomach. Pour hot water or bancha tea
over 1/4 teaspoon of ume extract.
Umeboshi Plum
Neutralizes an acidic condition and relieves intestinal
problems, including those caused by microorganisms. Take 1/2–1
umeboshi plum with 1 cup bancha tea. Or you may bake the whole
plums. If you are using powder, add a tablespoon to 1 cup
hot water.
Ume-Sho-Bancha
Strengthens the blood and circulation through the
regulation of digestion. Pour 1 cup bancha tea over the meat
of 1/2–1 umeboshi plum and 1 teaspoon tamari soy sauce.
Stir and drink hot.
Ume-Sho-Bancha with Ginger
Increases blood circulation. Same as above, but
add 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger juice and pour 1 cup hot bancha
tea over, stir, and drink.
Ume-Sho-Kuzu (Kudzu) Drink
Strengthens digestion, revitalizes energy, and
regulates the intestinal condition. Prepare the kuzu drink
according to the instructions for Kuzu Drink and add the meat
of 1/2–1 umeboshi plum. One-eighth teaspoon fresh grated
ginger may also be added.
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