Chinese Quince
Chinese Quince (모과, 木瓜) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a wind-damp dispelling herb. Its nature is warm and its taste sour, associated with the Liver, Spleen meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include relaxes sinews, stops cramping, transforms dampness, harmonizes the stomach, strengthens the knees and legs. Caution: Sour and astringent; traditionally used cautiously when there is much internal heat or difficult urination.
Overview
The fragrant quince — famous for perfuming a room and for its role in traditional tea — is recorded in the Donguibogam as the herb for cramping and for legs weakened by damp. Its sour, warming nature is credited with relaxing sinews, calming the cholera-like cramps of summer, and strengthening the knees.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Relaxes sinews, stops cramping
- Transforms dampness, harmonizes the stomach
- Strengthens the knees and legs
- Eases summer cholera-like turmoil
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Muscle cramps, especially of the calves
- Weak, heavy legs from damp
- Vomiting and diarrhea with cramping
- Indigestion
Traditional preparation
Commonly steeped as a fragrant tea (mogwa-cha).
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
Frequently asked questions
Is mogwa tea the same quince used as medicine?
Yes — the fragrant fruit brewed as mogwa-cha is the same Chinese quince the Donguibogam records for cramping and leg weakness. The tea is a mild everyday form of a recognized medicinal.
Why is quince linked to muscle cramps?
Its sour, warming nature was traditionally credited with "relaxing the sinews," making it the classic herb for calf cramps and the cramping of summer digestive upsets.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조