The wisdom of generations, distilled into precious roots
Each of these traditional Korean herbs has been documented in classical medical texts for centuries — the Donguibogam, Korea’s UNESCO-recognized medical encyclopedia of 1613, records each one’s properties in careful detail. We source every ingredient from the Korean region historically known to grow it best.
area namePunggimaterial nameGinseng
“Boosts vital energy and replenishes the five organs.”
“Quenches thirst and calms the spirit.”
Three primary benefits
- Restores energy and supports the immune system.
- Calms the mind, eases stress, and supports concentration.
- Saponins help antioxidant activity and support healthy circulation.
Key compounds
- Ginsenosides — the active compound family — fatigue recovery, immunity, antioxidant action
- Polyphenols — antioxidant protection at the cellular level
- Phenolic acids — help moderate oxidative stress
- Polysaccharides — support immune function and overall vitality
Taste & aroma
The first note is a deep, earthy fragrance, followed by a faint bitterness that gives way to a soft, lingering sweetness. When brewed warm, the body and aroma rise together in quiet harmony.
Suggested preparations
Warm ginseng tea
Steep thinly sliced ginseng for 10–15 minutes over low heat. Especially comforting in winter or after periods of overwork — a gentle restoration when energy is depleted.
Ginseng latte (home brew)
Add 1 spoonful of ginseng decoction to warm milk or soy milk. The deep ginseng aroma blends softly with the warmth — an ideal caffeine-free option for days when you want a gentle energy boost.
Mungyeong Omija (Five-Flavor Berry)
“Astringes the lung qi and stops cough.”
“Calms the heart and spirit, quenches thirst.”
Three primary benefits
- Soothes the lungs and eases dry cough or throat dryness.
- The sour note invigorates qi, restoring balance and vitality.
- In hot seasons or fatigue, helps with hydration and thirst regulation.
Key compounds
- Lignans (schizandrin, gomisin) — antioxidant, liver-supportive, immune-supportive
- Organic acids (citric and others) — crisp tartness, supports recovery from fatigue
- Anthocyanins — the deep red antioxidant pigment
- Vitamins and minerals — support hydration and energy balance
Taste & aroma
A fresh tartness arrives first, then is balanced by a light sweetness and gentle bitterness, leaving a deep berry-like aroma that settles softly on the palate. The name itself — omija — means “five-flavor berry,” because all five primary tastes are held in a single fruit.
Suggested preparations
Omija iced tea
Cool the brewed omija infusion and serve over ice. Quenches thirst, restores hydration, and refreshes the senses on hot summer days.
Omija lemon sparkler
Combine omija extract with 1–2 lemon slices and sparkling water. A bright wellness drink with a striking ruby color — perfect for an afternoon lift.
Yeongju Doraji (Bellflower Root)
“Dissolves phlegm and stops cough.”
“Opens and clears the lung qi.”
Three primary benefits
- Supports bronchial health and helps ease cough or phlegm.
- Provides immune and antioxidant support.
- Eases throat dryness and discomfort.
Key compounds
- Saponins — antioxidant and immune support
- Inulin — supports gut health and immune function
- Flavonoids — antioxidant and cellular protection
- Polyphenols — help moderate oxidative stress
Taste & aroma
A pleasant, cooling bitterness leads, followed by the soft sweetness of the root deeper in. When brewed as tea, it offers a clean, crisp aroma uniquely its own.
Suggested preparations
Doraji and pear tea
Lightly simmer chopped doraji root with pear juice over low heat — a traditional Korean comfort drink for the throat.
Warm doraji infusion
Steep dried doraji slices for 10–15 minutes for a soft, refreshing tea with the gentle aroma of clean root.
Yeongju Maekmundong (Liriope Root)
“Tonifies the lungs and clears heat.”
“Generates fluid and stops thirst.”
Three primary benefits
- Protects dry bronchial membranes and replenishes the moisture of the lungs and airways.
- When body fluids are depleted by heat or exertion, supports thirst relief and hydration balance.
- Said to nourish the heart — calms and centers the mind.
Key compounds
- Polysaccharides — support immune function and protect mucous membranes
- Sterols — antioxidant and metabolic balance support
- Flavonoids — cellular protection and antioxidant action
- Amino acids — support fluid generation and overall wellbeing
Taste & aroma
A soft, settling sweetness reminiscent of grain or milk, with a faint grassy aroma and an exceptionally smooth finish. Brewed as tea, the deep, quiet sweetness unfolds slowly over time.
Suggested preparations
Maekmundong saengmaek blend
Combine maekmundong decoction with saengmaeksan herbal drink in a 5:5 ratio. Ideal as a fluid-replenishing wellness drink on overworked days or in dry seasons.
Warm maekmundong tea
Rinse the root, then simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. The result is a light, gently sweet tea — comforting when the mouth feels dry.
Yecheon Sasam (Adenophora Root)
“Moistens the lungs and governs cough.”
“Stops thirst and replenishes qi.”
Three primary benefits
- Lung-moistening action helps soothe the airways.
- Eases throat dryness and gentle cough.
- Supports recovery of vital energy.
Key compounds
- Saponins — antioxidant and immune-supportive activity
- Coumarins — natural fragrance compounds with calming notes
- Flavonoids — antioxidant action, cellular protection
- Polysaccharides — protect mucous membranes and support energy
Taste & aroma
A soft sweetness opens first, gently widening into a calm, earthy aroma that holds steady through the finish. The throat is met smoothly, and a clean root-sweetness lingers long after.
Suggested preparations
Warm sasam tea
Simmer sasam slices over low heat for 10–15 minutes. The bronchial passages feel eased, and dry sensations soften. Especially gentle when sipped at night or in transitional seasons.
Sasam saengmaek blend
Combine sasam decoction with saengmaeksan herbal drink in a 7:3 ratio. A restorative companion for days when energy needs replenishing — refreshing even in summer heat.
Jecheon Baekbongnyeong (Poria Mushroom)
“Strengthens the spleen and stomach, removes dampness.”
“Calms the heart and the spirit.”
Three primary benefits
- Helps regulate excess water and supports the easing of mild swelling.
- Settles the digestion, supports appetite, and helps reduce frequent fatigue.
- Calms the mind and supports composure.
Key compounds
- Triterpenoids — anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action
- Polysaccharides — immune support and digestive function
- Ergosterol — whole-system balance support
- Beta-glucan — helps activate immune defense
Taste & aroma
A subtle, clean grain-like aroma, with almost no sharpness on the finish — never astringent, only soft and clean. In tea, it delivers a deep, settled comfort.
Suggested preparations
Warm baekbongnyeong tea
Simmer for 10 minutes for a tea that calms the mind and settles the stomach.
Baekbongnyeong and jujube blend
Add 2–3 jujubes to the baekbongnyeong decoction. The combined effect supports digestive balance and inner composure — a traditional pairing for restoration.
Andong Jihwang (Rehmannia Root)
“Clears heat and tonifies yin and blood.”
“Settles the mind and stops thirst.”
Three primary benefits
- Cools heat and replenishes the yin spent by overwork or stress.
- Supports thirst relief and recovery of stamina.
- Calms the mind and helps ease overheated energy and stress.
Key compounds
- Iridoid glycosides (catalpol and others) — support inner balance and antioxidant action
- Polyphenols — cellular protection and oxidative-stress regulation
- Polysaccharides — fluid replenishment and immune support
- Amino acids — support stamina recovery
Taste & aroma
A moist, soft earthen fragrance with a gently bitter sweetness. When brewed, the color is deep and the aroma calm — as if it lowers the bodys overheated rhythm by simply being inhaled.
Suggested preparations
Jihwang tea
Simmer jihwang over low heat for 15–20 minutes. Especially soothing in hot weather or on days when the body feels overheated by stress.
Jihwang and maekmundong blend
Combine jihwang decoction with maekmundong decoction in a 1:1 ratio. The combination of fluid replenishment and heat-clearing makes this an ideal restorative wellness tea after exertion.
Jeongseon Hwanggi (Astragalus Root)
“Boosts the qi and consolidates the exterior.”
“Tonifies weakness and stops sweating.”
Three primary benefits
- When the body is easily fatigued or energy is low, supports the restoration of vital qi.
- Helps regulate fluid metabolism and ease swelling.
- Tonifies the lungs to help reduce fatigue and low energy.
Key compounds
- Saponins (Astragalosides) — energy-restoring and immune-supportive action
- Flavonoids — antioxidant and cellular protection
- Polysaccharides — activates immune function and supports metabolic balance
- Amino acids — support stamina and basic vitality
Taste & aroma
A subtle, settled, nutty root aroma with a gentle sweetness on the finish. When brewed, the liquid takes a soft golden hue and leaves a smooth, nourishing impression on the palate. A clean, never-overwhelming character is the great appeal of hwanggi.
Suggested preparations
Warm hwanggi tea
Steep hwanggi slices over low heat for about 15 minutes. The result is a light, lightly nutty tea — well-suited to fatigued days or transitional seasons when stamina needs support.
Hwanggi and jujube tonic tea
Combine hwanggi and jujube in a 1:1 ratio and simmer gently. A traditional blend that brings the harmony of energy support with a calming, centering effect.
From the same land, the local harvest
Beyond the traditional Hanbang archive, Taegeuk Sagye also works with the seasonal agricultural treasures of Korea — perilla, salt, pear, garlic — each with its own region, story, and place in the modern wellness ritual.