Korean Mint

곽향 (藿香) · Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze

Dampness-transforming herb Slightly warm Pungent Spleen, Stomach, Lung

NatureSlightly warm

TastePungent

MeridiansSpleen, Stomach, Lung

Part usedLeaf and stem

FamilyLamiaceae

CategoryDampness-transforming herb

Find by concern: Diarrhea Nausea

Overview

Korean mint carries a fragrance the Donguibogam itself notes was once blended into incense, and that same aromatic quality is exactly what makes it useful against the queasy, heavy-headed nausea of summer dampness. It is recorded as chief among herbs for stomach reversal — vomiting that will not settle.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性微溫, 味辛, 無毒. 療風水毒腫. 去惡氣, 止霍亂. 治脾胃吐逆爲最要之藥.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is slightly warm, its taste pungent, and it is non-toxic. It treats wind-water toxic swelling. It dispels foul qi and stops sudden turmoil (cholera-like illness); it is the most essential herb for treating spleen-stomach vomiting and reversal.

Traditional functions

Transforms dampness, awakens the spleen
Stops vomiting
Releases summer-heat with dampness
Dispels foul, turbid qi

Traditional applications

Nausea and vomiting from dampness
Summer-heat fatigue with heavy head
Acute vomiting and diarrhea together
Poor appetite with a sticky, sluggish feeling

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–10g, added near the end of boiling to preserve its aromatics; a core ingredient of Hyanggeoksan-style summer formulas.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally avoided in yin-deficiency with heat and no dampness, since its aromatic, drying nature can aggravate dryness. Consult a professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

Is Korean mint related to incense?

The Donguibogam notes its dried leaves were historically blended into incense for their fragrance — the same aromatic compounds are what traditional medicine credits with cutting through damp, queasy stagnation in the stomach.

Why is it linked to summer illness specifically?

Classical medicine associated summer with excess dampness and heat combining to cause heavy-headedness, nausea, and fatigue — conditions this aromatic, damp-transforming herb was specifically recorded to address.

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.