Kudzu Root
갈근 (葛根) · Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi
Exterior-releasing herb
Neutral (some sources: slightly cold)
Sweet
Spleen, Stomach
NatureNeutral (some sources: slightly cold)
TasteSweet
MeridiansSpleen, Stomach
Part usedRoot
FamilyFabaceae
CategoryExterior-releasing herb
Overview
Kudzu root is the source of the familiar hangover tea (galgeun-cha) still sold across Korea today. The Donguibogam records it as releasing the exterior, promoting sweating, resolving alcohol toxicity, and relieving thirst — the very same properties behind its modern reputation as a hangover remedy.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性平一云冷, 味甘, 無毒. 主風寒頭痛. 解肌發表, 出汗開腠理, 解酒毒, 止煩渴, 開胃下食. 治胸膈熱, 通小腸, 療金瘡.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral (some say cold), its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats wind-cold headache. It releases the muscle layer and exterior, induces sweating and opens the pores, resolves alcohol toxicity, relieves vexing thirst, and opens the appetite to aid eating. It treats chest-diaphragm heat, unblocks the small intestine, and heals wounds from metal.
Traditional functions
- Releases the exterior, induces sweating
- Resolves alcohol toxicity
- Generates fluids, relieves thirst
- Raises clear yang, relieves stiffness
Traditional applications
- Wind-cold headache with neck or shoulder stiffness
- Hangover, thirst after drinking
- Fever with thirst and dry mouth
- Early-stage cold with no sweating
Traditional preparation
Decoction 8–16g.
Cautions
Caution: Promotes sweating and disperses; not suited to those who already sweat excessively or have weak, cold digestion without heat signs. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is kudzu root the same as the hangover tea sold in Korea?
Yes — galgeun-cha (kudzu root tea) is made from this exact root, and the Donguibogam already records its use for resolving alcohol toxicity and relieving thirst.
What else was kudzu root used for besides hangovers?
The Donguibogam lists wind-cold headache, inducing sweating in early-stage colds, and relieving thirst and heat in the chest, alongside its alcohol-resolving action.
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.