Curcuma Tuber

울금 (鬱金) · Curcuma aromatica Salisb.

Blood-moving, qi-regulating herb Cold Pungent, bitter Heart, Liver, Gallbladder

NatureCold

TastePungent, bitter

MeridiansHeart, Liver, Gallbladder

Part usedTuberous root

FamilyZingiberaceae

CategoryBlood-moving, qi-regulating herb

Find by concern: Chest pain Blood in urine

Overview

A close relative of turmeric, this tuber is noted in the Donguibogam not for a strong fragrance but for a light, rising qi said to carry the scent of wine upward and outward — the classical basis for its use in opening depression and stagnation that will not disperse on its own.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性寒, 味辛苦, 無毒. 主血積, 下氣, 治血淋尿血金瘡, 療血氣心痛.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats blood accumulation, brings down qi, treats bloody stranguria, blood in the urine, and wounds from metal, and heals heart pain from blood-qi stagnation.

Traditional functions

Moves blood, breaks up stagnation
Regulates qi, relieves depression-stagnation
Cools the blood
Stops bleeding-related pain

Traditional applications

Chest or heart pain from qi-blood stagnation
Blood in the urine
Stagnation-type depression that will not disperse
Wounds

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–12g.

Cautions

Caution: Cold and blood-moving; not suited to pregnancy or bleeding tendencies without professional guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same plant as turmeric?

It is a close relative in the same genus (Curcuma). The Donguibogam records this tuber distinctly, noting its light, rising qi rather than a strong fragrance as its defining trait.

What is turmeric tuber's main traditional use?

Moving blood and opening stagnation — the Donguibogam highlights chest pain from blood-qi stagnation and blood in the urine as its core uses.

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.