Paper short abstract:

Kuromoji, or Lindera umbellata, is a large native shrub and one of the herbal ingredients in Yomeishu, a popular medicinal liquor that has been passed down for 4 centuries. In recent years, there have been movements to utilize it to promote forest conservation and revitalization of local villages.

Paper long abstract:

Kuromoji is an ethnobotanical Japanese Laurel and is playing a part in the new relationship emerging between modern society and the traditional forests of Japan. Yomeishu Seizo Co., Ltd. maintains the manufacture and sale of the medicinal liquor Yomeishu that was developed in Japan four centuries ago. It contains herbal medicines traditionally used in Japan and China. The main one is Kuromoji.

Kuromoji is also important in traditional culture. It is presumed that wooden picks in tea ceremonies since the 16th century have been made from it. Several other traditional customs also depend upon it.

On the other hand, in the forestry field it is not used as a building material so it is usually thrown away. The Japanese forestry industry, dependent upon cedar, is considered to be in decline.

Recently, some local governments and businesses aim to utilize forestry resources for reasons other than building materials. Kuromoji has a pleasant scent and can be consumed, so it is processed and sold as an essential oil and an herbal tea. Recent studies have shown that Kuromoji has antiviral effects. It can be expected to be used by taking advantage of its antiviral effect.

Kuromoji grows easily in well-maintained forests, so we believe that its use will help protect the forest. Forests can provide rich ecosystem services and landscapes for use by humans, so traditional satoyama forests and kuromoji are a good match. Thus, kuromoji is being used to revive Japan’s satoyama heritage and landscape through integration with current economic and societal needs.