Herbs Traditionally Used for Anxiety
The Donguibogam view
The Donguibogam sees anxiety as the heart (sim) failing to keep its seat. Sleep and calm come when the heart — where the spirit dwells — is at peace; qi deficiency, blood deficiency, or in severe cases invading pathogenic influence can unsettle it. Its herbs split accordingly: everyday herbs that gently nourish the mind, and potent substances reserved for severe fright or derangement.
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for anxiety and mental calm, with original citations. Bovine bezoar and musk are potent substances formulated by professionals for specific acute conditions — this page is explicit that they are not household herbs.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Anxiety together with chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek professional help immediately
- Recurring panic attacks disrupting daily life
- Severe hand tremor and sweating together with weight loss
Herbs recorded for this concern
Ginseng人蔘
Ginseng is the most celebrated tonic herb in Korean traditional medicine, often called the king of herbs.…
Recorded as calming the spirit and settling the soul — a root-level approach for chronic anxiety rooted in depleted vitality.
Jujube大棗
Jujube, the Korean red date, is among the most familiar herbs in daily Korean life — steeped into teas, c…
Recorded as calming the center and nourishing the spleen — a gentle, everyday herb for anxiety tied to weak digestion.
Polygala Root遠志
Polygala root carries a name that means 'far-reaching ambition,' reflecting the Donguibogam's description…
Recorded as settling the heart qi and stopping palpitations and fright — the core mind-calming herb, also addressing forgetfulness and poor focus.
Wild Jujube Seed酸棗仁
Wild jujube seed comes from a different tree than the sweet jujube eaten as food — a smaller, thornier wi…
Recorded as chiefly treating a vexed heart that cannot sleep — the classic herb where anxiety spills into insomnia.
Bovine Bezoar (Calculus Bovis)牛黃
Bovine bezoar is a gallstone that forms naturally in domestic cattle, gathered as a byproduct rather than…
Recorded as settling the soul and treating mania and fright palpitations — a potent substance formulated in minute doses by professionals for severe presentations.
Musk (historical record)麝香
Musk was recorded by the Donguibogam as one of the most powerful mind-opening substances in the classical…
Recorded as settling the heart and calming the spirit — however, musk deer are an endangered species, and this page documents the historical record without recommending use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take any mind-calming herb when anxious?
No. Everyday herbs like jujube and polygala are a different tier entirely from potent substances like bovine bezoar and musk, which professionals formulate in minute doses for specific acute conditions. Obtaining and using the latter on your own is not advised.
Is ginseng used for anxiety too?
Yes. The Donguibogam also records ginseng as calming the spirit — a root-level approach for anxiety tied to depleted vitality.
Can persistent anxiety be managed with herbs alone?
Anxiety severe enough to disrupt daily life needs a mental health professional's evaluation first. Traditional herbs should only be a supplementary reference.