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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: FatiguePoor 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 uses recorded in the Donguibogam

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

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

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

Traditional preparation

Also brewed as everyday tea (dunggulle-cha).

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

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