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Japanese Thistle

대계 (大薊) · Cirsium japonicum Fisch. ex DC.
Blood-stopping, stasis-resolving herb Neutral Bitter Liver, Spleen
NatureNeutral
TasteBitter
MeridiansLiver, Spleen
Part usedWhole plant (leaf and root)
FamilyAsteraceae
CategoryBlood-stopping, stasis-resolving herb
Find by concern: NosebleedVaginal dischargeBoils

Overview

Thistle — daegye, the larger of two related entries the Donguibogam records side by side — is distinguished from its smaller cousin sogye (小薊) with real botanical precision: daegye grows three to four feet tall with wrinkled leaves, while sogye stands barely a foot with smooth ones. The text notes daegye resolves stasis and swelling as well as bleeding, while sogye specializes narrowly in stopping blood.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性平, 味苦, 無毒. 治瘀血, 止吐衄血, 療癰腫疥癬. 主女子赤白帶. 養精保血.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral, its taste bitter, and it is non-toxic. It treats stagnant blood, stops spitting and nosebleeds, and heals boils and scabies. It mainly treats women's red and white vaginal discharge. It nourishes essence and protects the blood.

Traditional functions

  • Resolves blood stasis
  • Stops bleeding
  • Resolves toxin and swelling
  • Nourishes essence and blood

Traditional applications

  • Nosebleed or blood-tinged spitting
  • Boils and scabies
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Blood stasis conditions

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g of the leaf or root.

Cautions

Caution: A neutral, generally mild herb; the classics distinguish it clearly from the smaller, blood-only sogye variety. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between daegye (大薊) and sogye (小薊)?

The Donguibogam gives a precise botanical distinction: daegye grows 3–4 feet tall with wrinkled leaves and treats both stasis/swelling and bleeding, while sogye is barely a foot tall with smooth leaves and specializes narrowly in stopping blood.

Is this the common roadside thistle?

Yes — Cirsium japonicum is a common thistle found across Korea, recorded in the Donguibogam mainly for bleeding, boils, and vaginal discharge.

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.