Bettina’s Diet: Ume Kuzu (with Umeboshi)
Hello again, friends! We are wrapping up this series of articles with the final recommendation from Bettina as part of my macrobiotic diet—ume kuzu. And, if you are just joining me on this journey, welcome! I’m so happy you’ve joined us. You can catch up on the backstory of my journey to holistic healing by clicking here.
If you are already familiar with ume kuzu and are looking for where to buy umeboshi and/or kuzu, these are my favorite:
Umeboshi
Yume boshi (SF Bay Area, California)
Kuzu
What is Kuzu?
kuzu leaf
Kuzu is a viney plant that is native to Japan but was introduced to the United States in 1876 as an ornamental and forage crop plant. Kuzu was used extensively throughout the South to reduce soil erosion and to provide shade on the porches of homes. Because of its aggressive growth habits and propensity to overtake natural vegetation, kuzu (often called “kudzu”) is considered a pest plant.
Apparently, it’ll really take over.
But this widely criticized vine offers some surprising health benefits. The kuzu root holds tremendous energy, allowing the vine to grow in seemingly unhospitable environments like rock. Kuzu has been used as a part of eastern medicine for 2,000 years to treat fevers, digestive issues, and even alcohol cravings.
In this pic it is killing trees. :(
Traditionally, kuzu root is harvested in the winter once the vine has died back. The roots are crushed and rinsed several times to remove all impurities then allowed to dry completely—a process which can take up to 90 days. The resulting product is kuzu root starch, a dry powder that may be used in a variety of ways.
kuzu “starch” out of the package
How I Incorporate Kuzu into My Diet
According to Bettina’s instructions, I consume kuzu with umeboshi pickled plums in the form of a tea. I was instructed to drink a cup of tea twice a week for four weeks, preferably in the mornings.
Here is the full recipe for my ume kuzu tea:
¼ tsp grated ginger (optional)
½ umeboshi plum, finely chopped (making my own umeboshi paste)
1 heaping tsp kuzu, diluted in 2 Tbs cold water
1 cup of water
Mix the diluted kuzu with the 1 cup of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. When the liquid begins to thicken and becomes translucent, add the umeboshi plum paste and ginger. Simmer for 1 minute, then pour into your favorite mug and drink warm.
I find ume kuzu to be comfortable and delicious. Some days, I add a bit of honey, if I’m feeling like something sweet.
Umeboshi plums with salt, prepped for pickling
Ume Kuzu…But Why?
Kuzu beverages have two main effects on the body. The first is calming, so it can help lower elevated blood pressure, relax tight muscles, and relieve headaches and migraines. The second effect is neutralizing. Because kuzu is alkalizing, it can bring balance to the body and reduce acid build-up. Kuzu drinks are often used to help people recover from common colds or digestive issues like mine.
Umeboshi health benefits are documented extensively and I’ll share more on that soon, including my favorite umeboshi recipes!
And so…
I hope you have enjoyed this leg of our journey together as we break down the components of my macrobiotic diet and reach a deeper level of understanding as to why Bettina makes her recommendation. As you can see, there are no illogical prescriptions with Bettina—every component of my diet has a specific purpose and a very clear why.
In fact, this is one of the reasons I’ve grown to love the macrobiotic lifestyle…because there is a why behind each indication, unlike modern medicine where the reasoning often ends with “because that is what is always prescribed”. Discovering the macro way of eating has opened a whole new world to me and given me true control over my body and healing for the first time in my life.
I hope you’ll stay with me as we explore the next chapters of my holistic journey—yoga, healing techniques of functional medicine, and ayurvedic medicine. It’s going to be fascinating, learning together, and I’m so glad you’ve decided to tag along. The journey is always better when you have friends alongside you.
In addition to this health drink, I love umeboshi sour plum! Stay tuned for a different umeboshi recipe, more on umeboshi benefits, umeboshi tea, and how I use umeboshi vinegar instead of harsher, less beneficial vinegars!
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Additional References