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Adenophora Root

Adenophora Root (더덕, 沙參) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a yin-tonifying herb. Its nature is slightly cold and its taste bitter, associated with the Lung, Spleen meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include nourishes lung yin, boosts lung qi, tonifies the center, expels pus, disperses swelling. Caution: Cool and moistening; the classics note it counteracts Veratrum (Yeoro) and is not suited to cold-deficiency of the spleen and stomach.

더덕 (沙參) · Adenophora triphylla var. japonica (Regel) H.Hara

Yin-tonifying herb Slightly cold Bitter Lung, Spleen

NatureSlightly cold

TasteBitter

MeridiansLung, Spleen

Part usedRoot

FamilyCampanulaceae

CategoryYin-tonifying herb

Find by concern: Cough Thirst Recovery after illness

Overview

Deodeok is a mountain vegetable and a lung-nourishing herb in one — the balloon flower’s close cousin, familiar on Korean tables as a grilled, seasoned root. The Donguibogam records it as tonifying the center and boosting lung qi, and classical practice paired its cool, moistening nature against ginseng’s warmth.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性微寒, 味苦, 無毒. 補中, 益肺氣. 治疝氣下墜, 排膿消腫毒, 宣五藏風氣.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is slightly cold, its taste bitter, and it is non-toxic. It tonifies the center and boosts lung qi, treats hernial qi with sinking, expels pus and disperses toxic swelling, and disperses wind-qi of the five viscera.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

Nourishes lung yin, boosts lung qi
Tonifies the center
Expels pus, disperses swelling
Moistens dryness

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

Dry cough from lung dryness
Weak digestion with lung deficiency
Sores and swellings
Convalescence needing gentle nourishment

Traditional preparation

Also eaten as a seasoned or grilled vegetable.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Cool and moistening; the classics note it counteracts Veratrum (Yeoro) and is not suited to cold-deficiency of the spleen and stomach. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is deodeok related to balloon flower (doraji)?

Yes — both belong to the bellflower family and are eaten as mountain-vegetable roots in Korea, but they are distinct species with different traditional actions: deodeok is more yin-nourishing and moistening, doraji more phlegm-resolving.

Is deodeok the same as the Chinese herb sha-shen?

The Donguibogam uses the name 沙參 (sha-shen); in Korean practice this is identified with deodeok (Adenophora), a moistening lung tonic distinct from ginseng despite the shared "-sam" naming.