Taro

토란 (芋子) · Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott

Digestion-regulating food herb (toxic raw) Neutral (some sources: cold) Pungent Stomach, Large Intestine

NatureNeutral (some sources: cold)

TastePungent

MeridiansStomach, Large Intestine

Part usedCorm (root); toxic raw, safe when cooked

FamilyAraceae

CategoryDigestion-regulating food herb (toxic raw)

Find by concern: Poor appetite

Overview

Taro is a familiar autumn root used in Korean toran-guk (taro soup), and the Donguibogam is explicit about a key rule still followed in the kitchen today: raw taro is toxic and irritating, but once fully cooked it becomes non-toxic and genuinely nourishing.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平一云冷, 味辛, 有毒. 寬腸胃, 充肌膚, 滑中, 破宿血, 去死肌.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral (some say cold), its taste pungent, and it has toxicity. It relaxes the intestines and stomach, fills out the muscles and skin, smooths the middle, breaks up old stagnant blood, and removes dead tissue.

Traditional functions

Relaxes and soothes the digestive tract
Nourishes muscle and skin
Breaks up old stagnant blood

Traditional applications

Cooked as a nourishing autumn food
Traditional use for old bruising or stagnant blood (classical)
General digestive comfort when properly cooked

Traditional preparation

Always cooked thoroughly before eating (soup, stew); classically prepared with crucian carp for extra benefit.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam states plainly that raw taro is toxic and irritating to the point of being inedible, while cultivated garden taro cooked thoroughly is non-toxic and beneficial — wild taro is noted as unfit to eat even cooked. Never eat taro raw. Consult a professional for medicinal use.

Frequently asked questions

Is raw taro dangerous?

Yes — the Donguibogam explicitly states raw taro is toxic and too irritating to eat, while thoroughly cooked garden taro is non-toxic and nourishing. Always cook taro fully before eating.

Does the Donguibogam distinguish garden taro from wild taro?

Yes — it notes that cultivated garden taro is edible when cooked, while wild taro is described as toxic and unfit to eat even after cooking.

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.