Korean Natural Herbs

Korea has a 4,000-year lineage of traditional medicine known as Han hung. The country produces a number of medicinal herbs, the most famous of which is Panax ginseng, also referred to as Korean or Chinese ginseng. This small perennial plant, now extremely rare, originally grew wild in the damp forests of northern China, Manchuria and Korea. The latter country now cultivates the herb rather extensively. Several other Korean natural herbs are also used in various alternative or complementary medical practices worldwide.

Korean Ginseng

• Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) does not have the same properties as the Chinese and American versions and is not nearly so readily available. This root is described as being the most powerful in terms of medicinal benefits. It is also the most expensive. The government now supervises its harvest, export and production; in some parts of Korea the herb has become extinct. Korean red ginseng has a long reputation for its ability to boost the immune system and ward off heart disease. Other uses include impotence, stress, energy and radiation protection.

Korean Hyssop

• Korean hyssop (Agastache rugosa), also known as Korean mint, is known for its ability to clear sinuses. It contains potent antioxidants that boost the human immune system. The herb has been used for centuries to break fevers by promoting a sweat. Its crushed leaves are also applied to bruises and wounds to promote swift healing. According to Dr. Ben Kim, small amounts of natural mints may be used for improving digestion, and alleviating the symptoms of inflammatory states like arthritis and chronic tendinitis.

Mugwort

• Mugwort herb (Artemisia vulgaris) is used in several ways in Korea and is a common ingredient in teas, soups and rice cakes. It is reputed to be a blood cleanser when ingested. One interesting way mugwort is gaining notoriety in the U.S. is to burn it in moxibustion heat therapy. The herb is aged, ground into a fluff and fashioned into a cigarlike cylinder called a moxa stick that is then used indirectly with acupuncture needles or burned directly above the client's skin. The herb is reputed to stimulate energy flow, or qi, maintain general health and dispel cold and dampness.