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Adenophora Root

더덕 (沙參) · Adenophora triphylla var. japonica (Regel) H.Hara
Yin tonic (vegetable-herb) Slightly cold Bitter Lung, Spleen
NatureSlightly cold
TasteBitter
MeridiansLung, Spleen
Part usedRoot
FamilyCampanulaceae
CategoryYin tonic (vegetable-herb)
Find by concern: CoughThirstRecovery 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.
This entry is a draft: the classical quotation is pending verification against the Korean Medicine Classics Database.

Traditional functions

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

Traditional applications

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

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g; also eaten as a seasoned or grilled vegetable.

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.

Sources

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