Home of Japanese herbal medicine

Ancient Knowledge of Japanese Herbal Medicine from Nara

Nara was another ancient capital of Japan whose history as the center of the nation was already established in the 6th century. Although Nara did not remain the national capital for a very long period compared to that of Kyoto, this is where the fundamental essence of Japan was formed: in religion, politics, art, crafts, food, literature and more. Some people refer to Nara as “Home of Japanese herbal medicines.” Why is this? Let’s unfold the story behind it.

When we become sick or have a physical problem, we naturally take medicine. The Chinese character which denotes medicine is read kusuri and consists of two parts: one represents “plant” and the other signifies “to feel good or better.” Plants are the origin of medicines and our ancestors trialed and investigated them to discover how they could be used to help us recover from sickness and to feel well again.

The oldest historical record referring to herbal medicine in Japan dates back to May 5th, 611 during the Asuka Period (538-710). A troop of imperial nobles went deep into the mountains around Uda, in the northeastern part of Nara, to search for herbal medicines. Uda was already known as an area where fine medicinal herbs could be found and the nobles went so far as to make the area off limits.

Much later, scientific research revealed that the secret of the abundant growth of herbal plants was due to Uda’s soil being rich in inorganic mercury. Animals were naturally attracted and gathered to enjoy the rich feed which made the area even richer. However, this merit of Uda wasn’t actually fully realized until the 18th century, when the 8th Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshimune, carried out a major social reformation. In those days, Japan relied on imported medicine from China.

One of Yoshimune’s important reformations was to attempt producing medicine domestically. He sent out specialists to search for potential production areas for herbs throughout the country. One of the specialists visited Uda and met Tosuke Morino, a local who knew everything about herbs in the area.

Following his search throughout the country, the specialist was convinced that the herbs from Uda were the best and the Shogun approved his choice.  Yoshimune appointed Morino to start a herb garden with just six kinds of herb seeds he had in his possession. From that day, Morino Medicinal Herb Garden has remained a leader for nearly 300 years in producing and researching medicinal herbs.

Nana Nishida, an aromatherapist, is a member of the group which promotes herbs from the Uda area. “I was born and brought up in Uda, and have always loved my hometown, but I never paid attention to how special my hometown was. Today I have a totally opposite feeling; I am proud of Uda.” Nana continues, “Every country and region has its own local wisdom, including how to best use the area’s natural blessings such as its herbs and plants. Plants help us become more aware of our own body and mind. We wish to introduce herbs, especially Yamato Toki, from Uda as one form of Japanese wisdom passed down by our ancestors.”

Yamato Toki 大和当帰

One of the characteristic herbs grown in Uda is Yamato Toki (Angelica acutiloba). Known to be effective for gynecological disorders, scientific research has revealed that Yamato Toki is more beneficial than other Toki variety plants in Japan and China, but its slow growth and smaller yield prevents it from being in the spotlight of Japanese herbs. People in Uda have been working hard to revive Yamato Toki. They plant and grow Yamato Toki and produce a variety of items that exhibit its true quality such as tea, essential oil, bath agents, and more.

Speaker: Nana Nishida

Born and brought up in Uda and now living in Ikoma, Nara,

she runs a private aroma therapy salon, Neroli, where she heals her clients’ bodies and minds with quality herbal essential oils including one made from Yamato Toki which she grows herself in Uda. Cherishing and respecting the natural blessings of her hometown, Nana hopes to hand over this traditional natural wisdom to the next generation.