Over in Japan, wasabi has begun to move out of the food industry, recently appearing in the medicines segment as a cold remedy. The new product from Kinjirushi is the Wasabi Thiohexyl Mask Aroma, and it is designed to be added to a face mask to provide a soothing effect to the nose and throat. The active ingredient is 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (a type of wasabi extract), and the product is said to have a wasabi and herb scent. Wasabi is a familiar component of Japanese cuisine and is known for its strength and pungency, which could possibly lend it beneficial properties as a decongestant.
It looks like the medical claims on Wasabi made here are starting to find their way into our everyday life. About time too!