Rose of Sharon Bark
Rose of Sharon Bark (무궁화, 木槿) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a astringent, diarrhea-stopping herb. Its nature is neutral and its taste not specified in the source text, associated with the Large Intestine meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include astringes the intestines, stops bleeding, relieves post-dysentery thirst. Caution: An astringent bark historically taken as a decoction; blood in the stool should always be medically evaluated rather than self-treated.
Overview
Mugunghwa is Korea's national flower, but the Donguibogam entry under this name treats its bark, not the bloom, as medicine — recorded for stopping intestinal bleeding and the lingering thirst that follows dysentery. The flower itself is recorded as a separate sub-entry with its own, related use.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Astringes the intestines
- Stops bleeding
- Relieves post-dysentery thirst
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Blood in the stool from intestinal wind
- Chronic loose stool with bleeding tendency
- Thirst following a bout of dysentery
Traditional preparation
The bark is decocted.
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
Does the Donguibogam use the mugunghwa flower or the bark as medicine?
The main entry (木槿) is the bark, used for intestinal bleeding and post-dysentery thirst. The flower is recorded as a separate sub-entry with its own, related use for dysentery.
Is this the same plant as Korea's national flower?
Yes — Hibiscus syriacus is the same species officially recognized as Korea's national flower; the Donguibogam entry predates that designation by centuries and treats it purely as a medicinal bark.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조