Nemurigusa Honpo

What is Nemurigusa (眠り草)?

"Nemurigusa" (眠り草), which means "sleep herb" in Japanese, refers to a vegetable known as Kuwansou in Okinawa and the Yaeyama Islands. Locally, it's often called "Niibui-gusa," where "niibui" means "sleepy" or "sleep" in the regional dialect.

Kuwansou has long been cherished among the Okinawan elders, affectionately known as the oji and obaa, who are said to live by the motto: eat well, work well, and sleep well. Traditionally, it's been used in Okinawa for its calming and sleep-inducing effects. People have incorporated it into their daily meals in a variety of ways - boiled and mixed with sesame or miso, simmered with pork and other meats, or dried and brewed into tea.

For generations, Okinawans have turned to Nemurigusa during times of fatigue or sleeplessness as a natural way to relax and support restful sleep.