Nourish Your Cells with Ai Okubo's Herbal Medicine Recipes: September Edition
[September 2024]
Bonito: Building Your Body's Foundation During Seasonal Changes
September is a transitional month when the climate changes dramatically after the autumnal equinox. Due to weather phenomena like typhoons and sudden downpours, it's easy to feel abnormalities in your autonomic nervous system and immune function. According to traditional Chinese medicine, strengthening the "lung" after the autumnal equinox can boost barrier function and promote good health.
In particular, moisturizing care for the throat, intestines, and skin is necessary. To prevent disruption of the autonomic nervous system, incorporate iron, protein, and B vitamin-rich meats and fish, as well as vegetables that improve gut health and have antibacterial properties.
◆ This Month's Key Ingredient
Bonito
Known as a "food medicine" that replenishes "blood" due to its high iron content, bonito is also rich in minerals like magnesium, as well as vitamin D, B vitamins, and taurine. If you're feeling sluggish or lacking concentration, choosing fish over meat can provide omega-3 fatty acids that act on brain cells. Starting a habit of using plenty of katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) is also a great idea.
◆ Recipe Introduction
For a Clear Stomach and Beautiful Skin
Grilled Bonito with Sesame Seeds
During fluctuating seasons, use dried foods like sesame seeds, wakame seaweed, and kelp to regulate your gut environment. Eat plenty of sesame seeds and detoxifying cilantro together to build a body that can withstand changes.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
Bonito 250g
Soy sauce, mirin 1 tbsp each
Ginger, garlic 2 cloves each
Black sesame seeds as needed
Cilantro 1 bunch
Instructions
① Slice the bonito into 1cm-thick pieces and cut the cilantro into 3cm lengths. Grate the ginger and garlic.
② Place the bonito, soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and garlic in a plastic bag and marinate for about 15 minutes.
③ Coat the bonito generously with black sesame seeds and grill both sides.
④ Arrange cilantro on a plate, then top with the grilled bonito from step ③. Serve.
Point
＊Instead of cilantro, you can use aromatic vegetables like watercress or garland chrysanthemum for a delicious alternative.
Fatigue Relief for Early Autumn
Ethnic Bonito Namerou
When you're prone to fatigue, nourish your "qi" by consuming allicin-rich vegetables like chives and garlic together with animal-based ingredients. Use miso and curry powder to regulate bowel function.
Ingredients
Bonito 200g
Chives 1 bunch
Garlic 2 cloves
Ginger 2 cloves
Ground sesame seeds 1 tbsp
Curry powder 1 tsp
Miso 1 tbsp
Chili bean paste (Tobanjan) 1 tsp
Olive oil as needed
Instructions
① Cut chives into 1cm lengths, slice garlic, and grate ginger.
② Sauté chives, garlic, and curry powder in olive oil, then let cool.
③ Place finely chopped bonito, grated ginger, miso, chili bean paste, and ground sesame seeds in a plastic bag. Knead well with your hands to mix.
④ Add the cooled mixture from step ② and mix well. Serve.
Point
＊Adding perilla leaves enhances the aroma and stimulates appetite.
＊Leftover namerou can be rolled into balls and added to miso soup, clear soup, or hot pot as fish dumplings. It can also be shaped into patties and grilled as fish burgers. It's delicious when cooked.
Profile
Ai Okubo
Pharmacist and traditional Chinese medicine counselor. Studied traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal cuisine, and Eastern beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese person to obtain the International Certified Chinese Medicine Beauty Specialist qualification. After managing traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies, dispensing pharmacies, and beauty salons, she now works as an expert in medicine and beauty, including traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine, engaging in product development, writing, and corporate consulting.
Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/
Official Twitter:https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower
