Herbs
Each entry pairs the original Donguibogam text with a modern explanation, properties, traditional applications, and cautions. Sources are cited on every page.
Ginseng人蔘
Ginseng is the most celebrated tonic herb in Korean traditional medicine, often called the king of herbs.…
Licorice Root甘草
Licorice root appears in more traditional Korean formulas than almost any other herb. Known as the harmon…
Fresh Ginger生薑
Fresh ginger bridges the kitchen and the pharmacy in Korean tradition. It is used at the first signs of w…
Astragalus Root黃芪
Astragalus is the classic qi tonic for the body's surface. Where ginseng restores deep vitality, astragal…
Korean Angelica Root當歸
Danggwi is the foremost blood tonic of Korean tradition, central to formulas such as Samul-tang. Its name…
Jujube大棗
Jujube, the Korean red date, is among the most familiar herbs in daily Korean life — steeped into teas, c…
Cinnamon Bark桂皮
Cinnamon bark is the great warmer of the traditional pharmacy. Where ginger warms the surface and the sto…
Goji Berry枸杞子
Goji berry is the classic tonic for the liver and kidney in East Asian tradition, long associated with no…
Schisandra Berry五味子
Schisandra is named 'five-flavor berry' because tradition finds sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, and salty a…
Peony Root芍藥
Peony root partners danggwi at the heart of Samul-tang, the foundational blood-nourishing formula. Tradit…