Notopterygium Root (Qianghuo)

Overview

Ganghwal is a close relative of dokhwal, and the Donguibogam begins by saying so: its main uses are much the same as dokhwal, with small differences. Two cited lines sharpen the picture. One calls it a herb of such reach that "the great nothing it does not penetrate, the small nothing it does not enter," saying aching in the whole body and hundred joints can hardly be treated without it. The other draws the dividing line from dokhwal: ganghwal has a bold qi and enters the Taiyang channel, dokhwal a fine qi and enters Shaoyin — both treat wind, but one at the exterior and one at the interior.

In the Donguibogam

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

• Relieves aching in the whole body and joints
• Treats wind at the exterior (Taiyang)
• Guides other herbs along channels

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

• Aching throughout the whole body and joints
• Wind-type stiffness with a heavy, upper-body character (classical)
• Used alongside dokhwal in wind-damp formulas

Traditional preparation

Root. The text says that in Korea only Gangwon Province produced both dokhwal and ganghwal.

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

Sources

• 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
• 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조