Ripe Persimmon
Ripe Persimmon (홍시, 紅柿) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a heat-clearing, moistening food herb. Its nature is cold and its taste sweet, associated with the Heart, Lung meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include moistens the heart and lungs, stops thirst, clears heat. Caution: A cold-natured fruit; the Donguibogam notes it should not be eaten with alcohol (can cause chest pain and faster intoxication) or together with crab (can cause abdominal pain and vomiting).
Overview
Ripe persimmon is a familiar autumn fruit in Korea, and the Donguibogam records its famous "seven virtues" — long life, abundant shade, no bird nests, no insects, colorful autumn leaves, fine fruit, and large fallen leaves — alongside its core action of moistening the heart and lungs and quenching thirst.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Moistens the heart and lungs
- Stops thirst
- Clears heat
- Resolves alcohol heat-toxicity
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Heat in the chest or heart
- Post-drinking heat discomfort
- Poor appetite
Traditional preparation
Eaten fresh when fully ripe and soft; avoid combining with alcohol or crab per classical caution.
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
What are the "seven virtues" of the persimmon tree mentioned in the Donguibogam?
Long life, abundant shade, no bird nests, no insect damage, fine autumn foliage, good fruit, and large fallen leaves — a classical list praising the persimmon tree beyond just its fruit.
Are there foods the Donguibogam says not to eat with persimmon?
Yes — it specifically warns against eating persimmon with alcohol (can cause chest pain and faster intoxication) or with crab (can cause abdominal pain and vomiting).
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조