Herbs Traditionally Used for Insomnia
The Donguibogam view
The Donguibogam sees sleeplessness as a matter of the heart (sim) and spirit (shin). Sleep comes when the heart — the dwelling of the spirit — is at peace; when blood runs short, thought runs excessive, or phlegm carries heat, the spirit cannot keep its seat and sleep is lost. Hence its insomnia herbs share one recorded phrase: calming the spirit (安神).
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for sleeplessness, with original citations. Always consult a professional before actual use.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Heavy snoring plus daytime sleepiness (possible sleep apnea)
- Depression or anxiety severe enough to disrupt daily life
- Chronic insomnia lasting months
- Ongoing inability to sleep without sleeping pills
Herbs recorded for this concern
Poria茯苓
Poria is unusual among traditional herbs in that it is not a plant at all, but the dried sclerotium of a …
The original text records it as excellent at calming heart and spirit — the variety grown around pine roots (Bokshin) was prized especially for this.
Jujube大棗
Jujube, the fruit of a deciduous tree in the buckthorn family, is the Korean red date and among the most …
Recorded as calming the center and nourishing the spleen — the gentle base of the bedtime jujube-tea tradition for the frail and light-sleeping.
Schisandra Berry五味子
Schisandra, the fruit of a deciduous woody vine, grows wild in deep mountains with red climbing stems, le…
A tonifying, astringent herb — used to gather in restless, dream-heavy sleep, especially with night sweating.
Frequently asked questions
Does bedtime jujube tea really help?
Jujube is recorded as calming the center, and bedtime jujube tea is a long folk tradition. Mind its sugar content near bedtime — and chronic insomnia warrants finding the cause first.
What is the difference between poria and poria-spirit?
Both are the same fungal sclerotium, but the part grown embracing a pine root — Bokshin — was traditionally held superior for calming the spirit, and formulas often specify it for that purpose.
What causes insomnia according to the Donguibogam?
An unquiet heart: blood deficiency, excessive worry, or phlegm-heat — each approached differently, through nourishing blood, calming the spirit, or resolving phlegm.