The common cold is just that – all too common, especially in the chillier months. While many people may resign themselves to a season of sneezing and coughing, Japanese tradition dictates and alternative remedy: tamagozake, or “egg sake.” Try it the next time you feel that familiar tickle in your throat and you may just feel better before you can say “Odaiji-ni” (“take care of yourself”)!
What Is Tamagozake?
Tamagozake is a mixture of heated sake and egg said to cure the common cold. In Japan, it is even given to children (after boiling off the alcohol, of course) to help alleviate their symptoms. Traditionally, tamagozake is believed to help sickness because of a few defining factors. To start, the sake may help you rest, and the lysozyme in the egg might boost your immune system. Beyond this, the sugar can lessen some of the effects of the alcohol – while making the drink more palatable. Whether or not it is medically beneficial is still up for debate, but many people still take it to feel better when they are sick.
How Do I Make It?
Here are the basic steps to make tamagozake:
- Break one egg into a small bowl and mix well with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Heat up 1/2 cup of sake (jyunmai-shu is best) over low heat.
- Pour a little bit of the hot sake into the egg while mixing.
- Gradually, and very slowly, pour the rest of the egg in, mixing constantly to avoid cooking the egg.
- Mix until the tamagozake is foamy, then drink and feel better!
Better yet? You can follow along with our video for some extra guidance.
The information contained herein does not claim to cure or prevent diseases or illnesses. It simply helps alleviate some of the symptoms of the common cold. If you think you are suffering from a medical condition see your doctor. Do not self diagnose.
