Kampo Pharmacist Ai Okubo's Cell-Revitalizing "Food and Medicine Recipes" for February
[February 2024]
"Komatsuna Recipes" for Adrenal Care in February, When Ailments Are Common
February is a time when people are prone to feeling vaguely unwell. Even after the start of spring, daylight hours are still short, and dark, cold days continue. We can experience stress from climate changes without realizing it.
When under stress, cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands. Excessive stress or too much sugar can further increase its secretion. This can lead to exhausted adrenal glands, potentially causing symptoms such as feeling sluggish in the morning, waking up in the middle of the night, severe PMS, or an inability to feel motivated without caffeine.
Actively consume shellfish rich in minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron, as well as vegetables and citrus fruits containing vitamin C.
◆This Month's Key Ingredient
Komatsuna (Japanese Mustard Spinach)
Komatsuna is known for its high iron content, but unlike spinach, it contains less oxalic acid and doesn't require blanching to remove astringency, making it a convenient vegetable for busy women.
It contains isothiocyanates, which aid liver and intestinal detoxification, and beta-carotene, which strengthens mucous membranes, making it excellent for detoxification, skin problems, and preventing infections.
◆Recipe Introduction
Calm the Mind and Improve Blood Circulation
Komatsuna and Clam Nibitashi (Simmered Dish)
Both clams and komatsuna are said to have higher nutrient absorption when frozen. Keeping them stocked in the freezer is a great way to "replenish vital energy and blood" on days when you don't feel like cooking.
Ingredients
Clams: 1 pack (200g)
Komatsuna: 1 bunch
Water: 50ml
Soy sauce, mirin: 1 tbsp each
Instructions
① Cut komatsuna into 3 cm pieces. Purge sand from clams.
② Place komatsuna in a heatproof dish, top with clams, then pour water and seasonings over.
③ Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 600W for approximately 3 minutes until done.
Point
*When purging sand from clams, it's convenient to use a 500ml plastic bottle for the saltwater!
Adding 2 capfuls of salt to 500ml of water creates a salt concentration suitable for sand purging.
*Clams with shells are preferable, but shelled clams are also fine.
*When freezing komatsuna, it's best to cut off the roots, wash, pat dry, then cut into easy-to-eat pieces and place in a freezer bag.
*To freeze clams, purge sand, pat dry, and place in a freezer bag. Placing them on an aluminum or stainless steel tray allows for quick freezing.
Cold Remedy & Internal Ailment Relief
Komatsuna and Ground Chicken Sesame Miso Soup
Recommended for those who "feel cold when touching their stomach" or "find it hard to warm up once they get cold." This dish combines fermented foods like miso, sesame (rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals), and chicken (rich in heme iron and protein) to deliciously resolve internal ailments.
Ingredients
Ground chicken: 150g
Komatsuna: 2 bunches
Garlic: 1 clove
Sesame oil: A little
Water: 200ml
Sake: 50ml
Miso, ground sesame: About 1 tbsp each
Doubanjiang: 1-2 tsp
Instructions
① Cut komatsuna into 3 cm pieces. Slice garlic.
② Heat sesame oil in a pot and lightly sauté the ground chicken.
③ Add all ingredients and simmer. When the komatsuna is cooked, it's done.
Point
*Adjust doubanjiang to your preferred spiciness.
*If you want more volume, add tofu. If the flavor is too mild, adjust accordingly.
Profile
Ai Okubo
Pharmacist, Kampo counselor. Studied Kampo, medicinal cuisine, and oriental beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese person to obtain the International Chinese Medicine Beauty Specialist qualification. After managing Kampo pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, and beauty salons, she now works as a medical and beauty expert specializing in Kampo and medicinal cuisine, involved in product development, writing, and corporate consulting.
Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/
Official Twitter:https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower
