Sorghum
Sorghum (수수, 秫薥) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a qi-tonifying food herb. Its nature is not specified in the source text and its taste not specified in the source text, associated with the Not specified in the source text meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include no action recorded in the source text, described as a food-security crop. Caution: The text records no toxicity or action for sorghum.
Overview
Sorghum is the tall grain behind sorghum rice and sorghum pancakes, and the Donguibogam entry is unusual: it records no nature, taste or action at all — only a description. The text calls it the tallest of grains, with large and plentiful kernels, grown in the northern lands as a reserve against food shortage, and otherwise fed to cattle and horses. It adds that southerners call it "Lu-ji". It is a useful example of an entry that documents a crop rather than a medicine.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- No action recorded in the source text
- Described as a food-security crop
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Everyday grain (not recorded as a medicine)
Traditional preparation
DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance.
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
Why does this entry list no nature or taste?
The Donguibogam entry for sorghum describes the crop only — its height, kernels and use as reserve food and fodder — and records no nature, taste or action, so DonguiHub marks them as not recorded.
Is sorghum the same as corn?
No. The entry describes a tall grain called Su-su (秫薥); corn is a different crop and does not have its own entry here.
What is it compared to in the text?
The text says southerners call it "Lu-ji" (蘆穄), and it sits beside the millets in the grain volume.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조