Acorn

도토리 (橡實) · Quercus acutissima Carruth.

Astringent herb Warm Bitter, astringent Large Intestine, Stomach

NatureWarm

TasteBitter, astringent

MeridiansLarge Intestine, Stomach

Part usedNut (fruit)

FamilyFagaceae

CategoryAstringent herb

Find by concern: Chronic diarrhea

Overview

Acorn is best known in Korea today as dotori-muk, the jelly made from its starch, but the Donguibogam records it first as a food-medicine for the digestive tract — thickening the intestines and stopping diarrhea. The text notes several oak species share the name and that acorns with a cap (橡殼) were also kept as a separate remedy.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味苦澁, 無毒. 主下痢. 厚腸胃, 肥健人, 澁腸止瀉, 充飢禦歉.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste bitter and astringent, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats diarrhea. It thickens the intestines and stomach, nourishes and strengthens the body, astringes the intestines to stop diarrhea, and fills hunger to guard against famine.

Traditional functions

Astringes the intestines, stops diarrhea
Strengthens the digestive tract
Nourishes the body

Traditional applications

Chronic or lingering diarrhea
Weak digestion needing gentle astringing
Traditional famine food valued for its nutrition

Traditional preparation

Traditionally eaten as processed flour or jelly (dotori-muk) after leaching out the tannins; decoction of the dried nut 8–16g.

Cautions

Caution: Its astringent, tannin-rich nature can be constipating in excess; not suited to those already prone to hard, dry stool. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same acorn used to make dotori-muk?

Yes — the Donguibogam entry (橡實) covers the same acorn still processed into starch jelly today, and already records it as a food eaten to "fill hunger and guard against famine."

What did the Donguibogam say acorns were good for?

Primarily diarrhea: the text describes them as thickening the intestines and stomach and astringing the bowels to stop loose stool, alongside general nourishment.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.