Japanese Cultural Tradition that may reduce coughs and colds.

In Japanese culture, gargling is a widely practiced habit believed to help prevent colds, coughs and respiratory infections, especially during cold and flu season.  

This practice is often done upon returning home, as is washing hands and taking off shoes.

The custom is deeply rooted in tradition dating back centuries. Researchers have found that gargling with plain water at least three times a day reduced the incidence of upper respiratory infections by over 30% and those that gargled with with sea salt water and green tea had even stronger effects. 

Gargling is considered a form of preventive medicine in Japan, often combined with handwashing, taking shoes off when entering a house. 

In Japanese Culture gargling is seen as a sign of personal responsibility and cleanliness. 

Many Japanese people, including children, are taught to gargle daily. This routine is also linked to broader cultural values around hygiene, such as not wearing shoes indoors and handwashing. Notably, while the practice is common in Japan, it is less prevalent in Western cultures. I wanted to introduce it to you here as is a simple, cheap and easy thing to do from which you could reap benefits. 

Reference:

https://japantoday.com/category/features/health/gargling-to-prevent-colds-just-an-japanese-old-wives-tale