Solomon's Seal Rhizome

둥굴레 (黃精) · Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce

Qi and Yin tonifying herb Neutral Sweet Lung, Spleen, Kidney

NatureNeutral

TasteSweet

MeridiansLung, Spleen, Kidney

Part usedRhizome

FamilyAsparagaceae

CategoryQi and Yin tonifying herb

Find by concern: Fatigue Poor appetite

Overview

Solomon's seal is the source of dunggulle-cha, one of the most common teas in Korea, and the Donguibogam's old alternate name for it — "food of immortals" — reflects how gently and broadly it was regarded to nourish. The text even distinguishes quality by leaf arrangement: paired leaves make true hwangjeong, unpaired leaves a lesser variety.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平, 味甘, 無毒. 主補中益氣, 安五藏, 補五勞七傷, 助筋骨, 益脾胃, 潤心肺.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste sweet, and it is non-toxic. It mainly tonifies the center and boosts qi, settles the five viscera, tonifies the five taxations and seven damages, aids the sinews and bones, benefits the spleen and stomach, and moistens the heart and lungs.

Traditional functions

Tonifies the center, boosts qi
Nourishes the spleen and stomach
Moistens the heart and lungs
Strengthens sinews and bones

Traditional applications

General fatigue and weakness
Poor appetite, weak digestion
Dry cough from lung dryness
Convalescence after chronic depletion

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–20g; also brewed as everyday tea (dunggulle-cha).

Cautions

Caution: Gentle and neutral, but traditionally steamed and sun-dried nine times to remove bitterness before long-term use. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same plant used in dunggulle-cha (Solomon's seal tea)?

Yes — the same rhizome, recorded in the Donguibogam under the old name "food of immortals" for its gentle, broad tonic action.

How did the classics judge true hwangjeong from a lesser variety?

By leaf arrangement: the Donguibogam notes that paired leaves mark true hwangjeong, while unpaired leaves mark a lesser-effect variety called pyeonjeong.

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.