Grape

포도 (蒲萄) · Vitis vinifera L.

Qi-tonifying, diuretic food herb Neutral Sweet (some sources: sweet-sour) Lung, Spleen, Kidney

NatureNeutral

TasteSweet (some sources: sweet-sour)

MeridiansLung, Spleen, Kidney

Part usedFruit

FamilyVitaceae

CategoryQi-tonifying, diuretic food herb

Find by concern: Weak constitution

Overview

Grape needs no introduction on the modern table, and the Donguibogam already records it as strengthening the body and boosting qi and resolve — noting the purple "horse-milk" grape and white "crystal" grape as the two prized varieties of its time.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平, 味甘一云甘酸, 無毒. 主濕痺. 治淋, 通小便, 益氣强志, 令人肥健.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste sweet (some say sweet-sour), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats damp painful obstruction. It treats painful urinary dysfunction, benefits urination, boosts qi and strengthens resolve, and makes the body plump and strong.

Traditional functions

Benefits qi and resolve
Relieves damp painful obstruction
Benefits urination
Nourishes the body

Traditional applications

General fatigue and weakness
Damp-type joint discomfort
Painful or difficult urination

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh, dried (raisins), or as juice; classically also dried and applied for unresolved measles-type rash.

Cautions

Caution: A mild, nourishing fruit; the classics note the seedless "crystal" variety was especially prized. Generally safe as food. Consult a professional for concentrated medicinal use.

Frequently asked questions

Did the Donguibogam distinguish grape varieties?

Yes — it names the purple "horse-milk" grape and the white "crystal" grape (prized for being seedless) as the two most valued varieties of its time, alongside noting both round and seedless forms existed.

What was grape mainly used for?

Boosting qi and resolve, nourishing the body to make it plump and strong, and relieving damp-type joint discomfort and difficult urination.

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.