Turmeric Rhizome

강황 (薑黃) · Curcuma longa L.

Blood-moving, qi-regulating herb Hot Pungent, bitter Liver, Spleen

NatureHot

TastePungent, bitter

MeridiansLiver, Spleen

Part usedRhizome

FamilyZingiberaceae

CategoryBlood-moving, qi-regulating herb

Find by concern: Absent periods Bloating

Overview

Turmeric rhizome — the herb behind today's turmeric supplement boom — is recorded in the Donguibogam as a close, stronger relative of the yellow-tasseled tuber (鬱金): both come from old ginger-like roots grown for years, but the classics rate turmeric's action as more forceful still.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性熱, 味辛苦, 無毒. 主癥瘕血塊癰腫. 通月經, 治撲損瘀血, 破冷除風, 消氣脹.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is hot, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats hardened masses, blood clots, and boils and swelling. It unblocks menstruation, treats bruising and stagnant blood from injury, breaks up cold and dispels wind, and resolves qi-type distension.

Traditional functions

Moves blood, breaks stasis
Regulates qi
Unblocks menstruation
Dispels wind-cold

Traditional applications

Amenorrhea or irregular menstruation
Bruising and stasis from injury
Abdominal masses
Bloating and distension

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–12g, traditionally vinegar-fried.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam explicitly notes its action is stronger than turmeric tuber (鬱金); as a strongly blood-moving, menstruation-unblocking herb, it is not suited to pregnancy without professional guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is turmeric rhizome the same as the turmeric tuber (ulgeum) already on this site?

They're closely related but distinct classical entries. The Donguibogam records turmeric rhizome (薑黃) as a stronger relative of turmeric tuber (鬱金) — both from old ginger-like roots, but turmeric rhizome rated more forceful.

Is this the same plant used in modern turmeric supplements?

Yes — Curcuma longa is the source of both. The Donguibogam's use for blood stasis, menstrual blockage, and swelling long predates its modern supplement popularity.

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.