Herbs Traditionally Used for Indigestion
The Donguibogam view
In the Donguibogam, digestion is the work of the spleen-stomach (bi-wi). When it weakens, food fails to descend, the middle feels stuffed, and appetite fades. Notably, the tradition splits its approach in two: dispersing what is stuck (for acute food stagnation) and fortifying the digestive organs themselves (for chronic weakness).
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for indigestion, with original citations. Always consult a professional before actual use.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Difficulty swallowing or food sticking
- Accompanied by unintended weight loss
- Black or bloody stools
- Pain severe or persistent enough to wake you at night
- New, persistent indigestion beginning in middle age or later
Herbs recorded for this concern
White Atractylodes Rhizome白朮
White atractylodes is one of the most widely used spleen-tonifying herbs in Korean tradition, central to …
The original text records it as strengthening the spleen, fortifying the stomach, and aiding digestion — central for chronic digestive weakness.
Aged Tangerine Peel橘皮
Tangerine peel is a kitchen-cabinet remedy for stuck qi and phlegm, and the Donguibogam records that Kore…
Recorded as opening the stomach and resolving phlegm — moves qi in bloated, stuck-type indigestion.
Fresh Ginger生薑
Fresh ginger bridges the kitchen and the pharmacy in Korean tradition. It is used at the first signs of w…
Recorded as opening the stomach and warming the center — for cold-type indigestion aggravated by cold food.
Pinellia Rhizome半夏
Pinellia is one of the most important phlegm-resolving herbs in Korean tradition, but the Donguibogam is …
Recorded as opening the stomach and dissolving phlegm — combined for indigestion with queasiness (processed only).
Licorice Root甘草
Licorice root appears in more traditional Korean formulas than almost any other herb. Known as the harmon…
Recorded as harmonizing all medicines and tonifying spleen qi — the unifying base of most digestive formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Are acute food stagnation and chronic weak digestion treated the same way?
No — tradition disperses what is acutely stuck, but fortifies the spleen-stomach for chronic weakness. Atractylodes and yam belong to the latter approach; tangerine peel and pinellia mostly to the former.
What is Sagunja-tang?
The foundational four-herb formula — ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, licorice — recorded for building up weak digestive qi. Whether it suits you is a question for a qualified practitioner.
Does dried tangerine peel tea help digestion?
Aged tangerine peel is recorded as opening the stomach and regulating qi. Note that medicinal-grade aged peel differs from freshly dried peel, and pesticide or wax residues matter — use organic sources with care.