Adzuki Bean

팥 (赤小豆) · Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi & H.Ohashi

Water-draining, damp-dispelling herb Neutral (some sources: slightly cold or warm) Sweet, sour Heart, Small Intestine

NatureNeutral (some sources: slightly cold or warm)

TasteSweet, sour

MeridiansHeart, Small Intestine

Part usedSeed

FamilyFabaceae

CategoryWater-draining, damp-dispelling herb

Find by concern: Edema Diarrhea

Overview

Adzuki bean is the beloved base of patjuk (red bean porridge) and many Korean sweets today, and the Donguibogam already records its core action — draining water and reducing swelling — that still underlies its folk use for edema and puffiness.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平一云微寒, 一云溫, 味甘酸, 無毒. 主下水, 排癰腫膿血. 治消渴, 止泄, 利小便, 下水腫脹滿.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral (some say slightly cold, some say warm), its taste sweet and sour, and it is non-toxic. It mainly drains water and expels pus and blood from swellings and sores. It treats wasting-thirst, stops diarrhea, benefits urination, and reduces water-swelling and distension.

Traditional functions

Drains water, reduces swelling
Expels pus from sores
Benefits urination
Stops diarrhea

Traditional applications

Edema and water retention
Swelling from sores or abscesses
Wasting-thirst pattern
Loose stool

Traditional preparation

Eaten as porridge (patjuk), boiled water/tea, or as a filling; decoction of the whole bean 8–20g for medicinal use.

Cautions

Caution: A water-draining food-herb; long-term heavy use can be overly diuretic. Generally mild and food-grade. Consult a professional for concentrated medicinal use.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same red bean used in patjuk?

Yes — the Donguibogam entry for 赤小豆 is the same adzuki bean still used for red bean porridge, and it already records the water-draining, swelling-reducing action behind its folk use for puffiness.

What did the Donguibogam say adzuki bean treats?

Draining excess water and swelling, expelling pus from sores, benefiting urination, and stopping diarrhea — a bean valued as much for its medicinal action as its food use.

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.