The Rising Trend of Medicinal Cuisine: Yakuzen Recipes from 'Karada ga Totonou Ichiju Ichisai'

In recent months, the NHK drama "Shiawase wa Tabete Nete Mate" has sparked considerable interest in Yakuzen, a culinary style rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Following the show's broadcast, medicinal cuisine-themed books have begun flying off the shelves, and a notable standout is the newly released recipe guide, "Karada ga Totonou Ichiju Ichisai," which has climbed to the top of Rakuten Books' cooking category rankings.

This book promotes the concept of "home Yakuzen," showcasing easy-to-try recipes using readily available ingredients. Authored by Nami Yamada, a certified international Chinese medicinal cuisine specialist and fermentation cookery expert, the book offers practical dishes tailored to various health concerns. With chapters dedicated to issues like digestive ailments, emotional well-being, and women's specific health challenges, readers find clear connections between the recipes and the drama's themes, making the book increasingly popular.

A Culinary Approach to Health

Yamada's approach emphasizes the importance of choosing ingredients based on one’s physical condition. Each recipe presents a solution for common discomforts. For instance, the meatball soup, a dish symbolized in the drama, is recommended for gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, for women suffering from anemia or menstrual pain, the book suggests sweet and sour shrimp as an effective remedy.

Other recipes include:

- Spring Rolls with Mackerel and Sweet Potatoes: A great option for skincare and beauty-related concerns.
- Taiwanese-Style Swordfish Soup with Daikon and Yuzu: Excellent for improving emotional health.

Additionally, the book goes beyond simply listing recipes; it provides comprehensive explanations of the recommended ingredients based on specific health concerns. For instance, it details the benefits of particular foods for women’s health issues and those related to skin and beauty.

The Author: Nami Yamada

Nami Yamada has built her reputation as a chef specializing in Yakuzen and fermentation cooking. A graduate from the Tokyo Yakuzen Research Institute, where she studied under the esteemed Takeshi Kusunoki, she possesses a wealth of knowledge in traditional Eastern medicine and dietary therapy. Yamada hosts various workshops at her home studio, "Koya 1681," teaching courses on Yakuzen cuisine and fermentation.

Her cooking style is well-received across generations for its gentle yet impactful approach to nutrition, with a focus on seasonal and wholesome ingredients. Yamada’s bibliography reflects her expertise and passion, including titles like "Starting and Continuing: The Basics of Nukazuke" and "No-Sugar Snacks for Everyone."

Book Publication Details

- Title: Karada ga Totonou Ichiju Ichisai
- Author: Nami Yamada
- Release Date: December 20, 2024
- Price: ¥1,760 (tax included)
- ISBN: 978-4-391-16345-2
- Publisher: Shufu to Seikatsu Sha

For more details, visit Shufu to Seikatsu Sha and purchase the book on Amazon or Rakuten Books.

As the trend of Yakuzen gains traction, "Karada ga Totonou Ichiju Ichisai" embodies the harmonious blend of culinary art and holistic health, encouraging everyone to embrace the philosophy of nourishing their body and spirit at home.