Korean Cherry

앵두 (櫻桃) · Prunus tomentosa Thunb.

Spleen-tonifying food herb Hot (some sources: warm) Sweet Spleen

NatureHot (some sources: warm)

TasteSweet

MeridiansSpleen

Part usedFruit

FamilyRosaceae

CategorySpleen-tonifying food herb

Find by concern: Poor appetite Diarrhea

Overview

Korean cherry ripens earliest among fruits each spring, and the Donguibogam notes this specifically — because it captures the sun's peak yang qi before other fruits, its nature runs hot. The text records it as harmonizing the middle, benefiting the spleen, and even brightening the complexion.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性熱一云溫, 味甘, 無毒一云微毒. 主調中益脾氣, 令人好顔色, 美志, 止水穀痢.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is hot (some say warm), its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic (some say mildly toxic). It mainly harmonizes the middle and benefits spleen qi, gives a good complexion, pleases the disposition, and stops food-and-water diarrhea.

Traditional functions

Harmonizes the middle
Benefits spleen qi
Improves complexion
Stops food-related diarrhea

Traditional applications

Weak spleen digestion
Dull complexion
Diarrhea from undigested food

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh in season; classically noted to ripen before all other fruits in early-to-mid spring.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam notes it can generate internal heat if eaten in large amounts, though without other harm; suited to a cold, weak spleen constitution rather than a heat-excess one. Consult a professional for concentrated use.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the Donguibogam say Korean cherry has a hot nature?

It explains that because Korean cherry ripens earliest among fruits — capturing the sun's peak yang qi before others — its nature runs hot, unlike most fruit, which tends toward cool or neutral.

What is Korean cherry good for according to the classics?

Harmonizing digestion and benefiting spleen qi, improving complexion and mood, and stopping diarrhea caused by undigested food.

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.