In Japan, spring onions (naga-negi) have long been regarded as a trusted home remedy for colds. Traditionally, their strong aroma was also believed to ward off evil spirits, which is why they were often used as offerings in religious ceremonies and seasonal festivals.

Culinarily, negi is a staple in Japanese cooking, appearing in everyday dishes such as miso soup, stir-fries, and hot pots. In Yakuzen, spring onion is highly valued for its warming nature and its ability to promote gentle sweating—an important way to dispel external cold from the body and ease the first signs of illness. A simple yet effective remedy often used in households is negi miso, a mixture of finely chopped naga-negi and miso dissolved in hot water, sometimes combined with ginger to further enhance its warming effect.

Modern studies also highlight the health benefits of negi. The sulfur compounds responsible for its pungent flavor not only boost immunity but may also support heart health by helping to prevent arteriosclerosis. With both traditional wisdom and modern nutrition aligning, spring onions continue to be cherished as both food and medicine in Japan.

Yakuzen Classifications
Nature – Warm （温）
Channels – Lung (肺), Stomach (胃)
Flavor – Pungent (辛)

How does leek help you?

1. Dispel cold
2. Improve Qi and blood circulation

Good for the following symptoms

1. Early signs of the common cold such as fever and chill
2. Cold-related pains

Japanese home dishes with spring onions

1. Negi miso yu (Spring onion and miso soup)
   Benefit - Dispel cold and relieve chill and fever.
   Ingredients - 1 tbsp Spring onion (finely chopped), 1tsp Fresh ginger root (grated), 1 tsp Miso paste, and 150-200 ml Hot water
   Method - Put the spring onion, ginger root and miso paste in a cup, pour hot water, and mix well.

Cautions

It's very important to know about your body conditions before choosing foods.
Do not eat too much of particular foods at once.
Do not eat the foods you are allergic to.
There are foods to avoid if you are pregnant / have a disease. Ask your doctor before you start Yakuzen.