Holidays are just around the corner, you have surely begun to think about what things to pack. If in addition to clothes, you like to carry a small first aid kit, you might be interested to know what I put in my macrobiotic first aid kit!
One of the most practical things to take with you when traveling is the umeboshi plum.
Named so, this fruit is actually a variety of apricot fermented in salt and shiso leaves for several months. During this process the content of citric acid increases, that is why it is so interesting for our health.
You can take it whole or in paste, just put some in a small glass jar and you will have enough for your entire stay. Another option, more practical, is to bring umebols, small little pills that you can fit in the bag!
And why bring umeboshi plum? because it is really effective for many of the situations that are usually common when travelling:
Dizziness and vomiting:
It is very common, specially if you travel by car, bus or boat. The umeboshi plum acts effectively against sickness of any kind, even hangovers! Pregnant women find in this an effective remedy for nausea.
It can be taken directly chewing it well, but it has a strong taste, (do not be fooled by its name, it does not maintained the flavor of the original fruit) so, maybe you will better soak it in a glass of hot water for 5 minutes and eat it afterwards. If you have a chance to add Bancha tea it would be ideal!
Fatigue:
When we feel tired, lactic acid levels in our body are often high. The umeboshi plum contains a large amount of citric acid that helps to effectively remove lactic acid, as it separates it into carbon dioxide and water, which are easily eliminated by the organism.
Take an umeboshi plum after exercise or a day of sightseeing in the sun, it will help you overcome fatigue.
To quench your thirst:
Although they have been soaked in salt, they are very good thirst quencher. Its sour and salty flavor balance each other and act effectively to remove your thirst.
Digestive problems:
It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and liver function, improving digestive problems. Ideal to take it after meals if you suffer from slow digestion.
Diarrhea and constipation:
The umeboshi plums are both effective for constipation and diarrhea, as they help to normalize bowel function.
Wounds and mosquito bites:
Applying it on stings or wounds recovery will be faster, as they help heal the wound reducing inflammation.
They can also be applied to sores lips, it might sting but accelerates the healing process!. In this case is usually more practical to use the paste.
Great alkalizing:
During the holidays we usually increase the consumption of highly acidifying foods and beverages: fast food, fried foods, sweets, sugary drinks, ice cream, milkshakes, beer and other alcoholic beverages …
If you can not avoid them, taking one umeboshi plum a day will help reduce the acidifying effect of these foods and regain the alkalinity levels your body needs.
The large amount of citric acid containing this plum promotes the absorption in the intestine of alkaline minerals such as iron and magnesium. Furthermore, the composition of umeboshi has lots of alkaline minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium … This makes the umeboshi one of the most alkalizing foods you can find.
Forms of consumption:
Plums can be taken directly, chewing them slowly or soaked in a little water. In this case, it is good to drink the soaking water.
If you find it easier, you can take them with meals, mixing them with it.
Perhaps the easiest way to take the umeboshi plum and carry it with you is in the form of umebol. The umebol is a pill made form umeboshi and jinenjo. The Jinenjo is known for revitalizing the heart, contributing to increase digestive enzymes and being a great alkalizing.
The umebol has the same qualities as the umeboshi, but increased by five, as it is made using the concentrate.
The advantage is that they are easy to take and they tastes good.Just put them in your mouth and allow to dissolve completely. 3 to 5 a day is usually enough.
You can carry them in your bag and take a couple after every meal. They will help your digestion, giving you energy and avoiding the need for coffee.
Enjoy your holiday!
