[The Benefits of Nanakusa-gayu and Porridge]

January 7th is Jinjitsu. It is also called Nanakusa-no-Sekku (the seven herbs festival) because people eat Nanakusa porridge with seven kinds of vegetables in the new year to wish for good health for the coming year.

Porridge is often thought of as something to eat when you are not feeling well, but in fact, the benefits of porridge have been passed down in the Buddhist world for over 770 years. It is also a common meal in East and Southeast Asia.

Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect of Buddhism, in his book "Fushuku Hanpo," which shows the manner of eating in a monastery, mentions that porridge has ten merits and virtues, "Shuyujiri," quoting from the Buddhist scripture "Makasou Giritsu." The ten virtues are as follows:

1. Blood glow of the body will improve.
2. Increased energy
3. Longer life
4. Body will be at ease and you will not overeat.
5. Speech will become clear and fresh.
6. No food left over from previous meals and no heartburn.
7. You will not catch a cold.
8. The body digests and nourishes itself to eliminate hunger.
9. Stop thirst
10. Good for bowel movement

This shows that porridge is effective not only when you are not feeling well, but also in managing your daily physical condition on a regular basis. Take care of your stomach and intestines so that you can live well in the new year.

Appi Urushi Studio's Owan #3.8
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Matsuyama Tokojo's Yukihira Pot #5
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Honma Kazuo Shoten's Straw Pot Stand S
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Seiryugama's Kobachi S
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Reference:
https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/63540?page=5
https://higan.net/shojin/2007/02/column-3/