Interested in accessing traditional medicine in South Korea? I’ve been visiting such clinics for the last 14 years and recently started using AI to better understand the teas I experience. So here is how I use AI to navigate Korean Traditional Medicine teas.
Disclaimers & Foundational Information
Nothing in this post exists as medical advice. Neither AI nor myself hold any medical training.
You should always consult your physician regarding anything to do with your health. Additionally, AI information often has intense errors. You need to validate any information produced by AI or written online by bloggers since ever person’s needs are unique.
The following offers a potential way to reduce the language barrier in South Korea so that you can ask better questions and improve your understanding regarding what doctors prescribe.
Hanwiwon v. Traditional Medicine
Let’s be clear, hanwiwons do not replace hospitals and vice versa. I still use the hospital for any illness, sickness, disease, or injury. However, in my case, much of my pain comes from issues that traditional medicine can’t solve. However, Korean traditional medicine clinics have great resources filled with the support my body needs. Since it’s affordable, easy to access, and paid for by Korean National Health Insurance – I will use that support as much as possible.
What is a Korean Traditional Medicine Clinic?
Korean traditional medicine clinics offer services focused on holistic well-being. They aren’t trying to cure all your illnesses but support your daily functioning and improve how your body processes things. Three common services offered at most clinics include:
Acupuncture (침술)
Using thin needles to stimulate specific body points, relieves pain and balances energy.
Cupping Therapy (부항요법)
Suction cups are placed on the skin, which may help improve blood flow.
Herbal Teas and Formulas (한약)
Tailored blends are prescribed based on individual health needs, often brewed from a mix of roots, herbs, and medicinal plants. This was what we will talk about understanding today.
Framing My Experience with Korean Traditional Medicine Teas
As a long-term resident in South Korea, I’ve come to rely on traditional Korean medicine clinics for various wellness needs. Due to a wide variety of genetic gifts, I need consistent wellness support to maintain my active and busy lifestyle. Since my pain level exceeded my caring level, I did not bother learning about the prescribed Korean Traditional Medicine teas. If I didn’t die, I kept drinking it. Based on the number of prescription opiates doctors forced me to take as a kid, I figured any tea they gave me was better than that.
However, after partnering with the Songtan Traditional Market to host Vendor Visits, it piqued my interest in knowing what I consume. The interest turned to action after visiting a new Hanwiwon in Gangwon-do where the tea stopped all the pain for 6 days. However, with the language barrier and my general laziness, I wanted to learn more from the comfort of my own sofa without searching for hours so I turned to ChatGPT.
Navigating Information with AI Tools
I decided to use my own advice and use AI tools analyze the tea that dramatically improved my stomach function and eliminated most of my chronic pain.
Deciphering the Herbal Ingredients with AI
Specifically, I uploaded a photo of my herbal tea packet into a paid version of ChatGPT. Then I needed to design my prompt. I wanted to know the English/Latin names of the ingredients, and what they treated.
Example AI Prompt:
Every AI interaction requires you to create a prompt asking for what you need. For this, I wanted an organized way to quickly understand my tea. Since the tea impacted my chronic issues, I suspected it had a lot of vitamin B, magnesium, and potassium. I also wanted to know why a tea that I took after acupuncture for my elbow impacted my stomach and joints. Therefore, I created the following prompt:
Read the image, explain the tea ingredients. Include such things as the ingredient name in English and Korean, the vitamins, minerals, and what it’s commonly used to treat.
The Result:
ChatGPT: Certainly! Here’s a draft for a blog post about the medicinal roots commonly used in Korean herbal medicine, detailing their nutrients, health benefits, and traditional applications:
Ginseng Root (인삼 / Insam)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E
- Minerals: Zinc, manganese, copper, iron
- Bioactive Compounds: Ginsenosides, which are known for their adaptogenic and immune-boosting properties
Health Benefits
Ginseng, or insam in Korean, is one of the most well-known roots in herbal medicine worldwide. It’s revered for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and enhancing overall energy levels. The ginsenosides in ginseng can improve immune function, mental performance, and reduce fatigue.
Common Uses
Ginseng is commonly used to boost energy, increase resilience to stress, and support immune health. It’s often consumed as a tea, added to soups, or used in supplement form to maintain stamina and vitality.
Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (백출 / Baekchul)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: Primarily B vitamins
- Minerals: Potassium, calcium, iron
- Bioactive Compounds: Atractylenolides, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects
Health Benefits
Baekchul, or Atractylodes root, is mainly used to support digestive health and strengthen the spleen and stomach. It is thought to boost energy levels, reduce bloating, and regulate digestion, making it popular for those dealing with digestive discomfort.
Common Uses
Atractylodes is often included in formulas to promote digestive health and is especially useful for those with digestive imbalances. It can help with issues such as lack of appetite, bloating, and general fatigue.
Poria Cocos Fungus (복령 / Bokryeong)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: B1, B2
- Minerals: Potassium, magnesium
- Bioactive Compounds: Polysaccharides and triterpenes, which help in reducing anxiety and promoting calmness
Health Benefits
Bokryeong, or Poria, is a type of medicinal mushroom often used to promote calmness and reduce water retention. Known for its calming and diuretic effects, Poria is believed to support kidney function and promote mental clarity.
Common Uses
Poria is typically used to relieve anxiety, reduce bloating, and promote urination. It’s often added to formulas aimed at calming the mind and balancing water levels in the body, making it suitable for those with stress-induced tension.
Licorice Root (감초 / Gamcho)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, E
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus
- Bioactive Compounds: Glycyrrhizin, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects
Health Benefits
Licorice root, or gamcho in Korean, is a versatile herb used in many traditional medicines. It’s known for its ability to reduce inflammation, soothe the digestive tract, and relieve respiratory issues. Glycyrrhizin, the primary active compound, has potent anti-inflammatory properties that make licorice root effective for respiratory and digestive health.
Common Uses
Licorice root is commonly used to alleviate sore throats, digestive discomfort, and inflammation. It also helps balance the effects of other herbs in formulas, acting as a harmonizer. You’ll often find it in traditional cough remedies and digestive tonics.
Cnidium Officinale Root (천궁 / Cheongung)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: B1, B2
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, potassium
- Bioactive Compounds: Ferulic acid and ligustilide, known for their antioxidant and pain-relieving properties
Health Benefits
Known as cheongung in Korean, Cnidium root is traditionally used to improve circulation and relieve pain. It is especially valued for its role in supporting menstrual health and easing discomfort due to its circulatory benefits. Ferulic acid and ligustilide contribute to its pain-relieving effects and antioxidant properties.
Common Uses
This root is typically used to alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and improve circulation. It’s commonly included in formulas for women’s health, especially for balancing the menstrual cycle.
Angelica Gigas Root (당귀 / Danggui)
Nutrients
- Vitamins: B12, folic acid
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, calcium
- Bioactive Compounds: Phytoestrogens and coumarins, which help regulate hormones and support blood health
Health Benefits
Danggui, or Angelica root, is sometimes called the “female ginseng” because of its significance in supporting women’s health. Rich in iron and other nutrients that support blood health, it is used to nourish the blood, regulate the menstrual cycle, and alleviate menstrual pain. Phytoestrogens present in Angelica can help with hormone regulation.
Common Uses
Angelica is widely used in traditional formulas aimed at supporting menstrual health and relieving cramps. It’s also used to nourish the blood, making it beneficial for those with fatigue and blood deficiency.
What I Learned
After reading through the tea ingredients I found my answers. The tea prescribed by the Traditional Medicine doctor in the mountains contains all of the vitamins my system struggle to sustain. Therfore, it makes sense that it impacted me in a positive way that sustained itself for days.
Additional Questions
Learning that the ingredients could impact the systems in my body that struggle, I wanted to know more about how it could impact me. Therefore, I designed prompts to reflect my exact conditions which I will not include here because that’s not for the internet. Instead, I will use high blood pressure as an example.
Example Prompt:
What should I know about this tea if I have high blood pressure?
Example Result:
Here are the results based on someone with blood pressure:
If you have high blood pressure, it’s essential to consider how certain herbs in this tea might affect it. Here are some key points to be aware of:
1. Licorice Root (감초 / Gamcho)
- Effect on Blood Pressure: Licorice root can increase blood pressure due to glycyrrhizin, a compound that affects potassium levels and fluid balance, which in turn can raise blood pressure.
- Recommendation: Limit or avoid licorice root if you have high blood pressure, or choose a licorice-free version of the tea.
2. Ginseng Root (인삼 / Insam)
- Effect on Blood Pressure: Ginseng has mild stimulant effects and may increase blood pressure slightly in some people, though responses can vary.
- Recommendation: Ginseng is generally safe for moderate consumption, but monitor your blood pressure after drinking it. If you notice an increase, consider lowering the frequency.
3. Angelica Gigas Root (당귀 / Danggui)
- Effect on Blood Pressure: Angelica root may thin the blood slightly, potentially affecting blood pressure and circulation. While it’s not known to raise blood pressure, its effects on blood flow might interact with blood pressure medication.
- Recommendation: Consult with a healthcare provider if you’re on blood pressure medications, especially blood thinners.
4. General Tips for Consumption with High Blood Pressure
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: After drinking the tea, check your blood pressure. If you notice any increase, adjust the frequency or amount.
- Stay Hydrated: Diuretic herbs like Poria (복령 / Bokryeong) can promote urination, potentially affecting fluid balance. Be mindful of hydration, as staying well-hydrated is important for managing blood pressure.
- Limit Frequency: If you have high blood pressure, limit tea consumption to once or twice a week to avoid any cumulative effects.
Final Advice
For those with high blood pressure, it’s best to approach herbal teas with caution, especially if they contain licorice or ginseng. Consulting with a healthcare provider familiar with herbal medicine can offer tailored guidance based on your specific health needs and medications.
Example AI Prompt:
Of course, if you have high blood pressure you might take medications and you need to know about potential drug interactions.
How might this tea interact with perscription blood pressure medicine?
Example Result:
There turned out to be an important question to ask:
If you’re on prescription blood pressure medications, certain herbs in this tea could interact with them, potentially altering the effectiveness or intensifying side effects. Here’s a breakdown of how each herb might interact with blood pressure medications:
1. Licorice Root (감초 / Gamcho)
- Potential Interaction: Licorice root, particularly when it contains glycyrrhizin, can raise blood pressure by retaining sodium and lowering potassium levels. This effect can counteract the effects of common blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), and diuretics.
- Recommendation: Licorice root should generally be avoided if you’re taking blood pressure medications, as it may reduce their effectiveness or lead to dangerous potassium imbalances.
2. Ginseng Root (인삼 / Insam)
- Potential Interaction: Ginseng may interact with certain blood pressure medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or mildly raising blood pressure due to its stimulant properties.
- Recommendation: It’s usually safe to consume ginseng occasionally, but monitor your blood pressure, especially if you’re taking beta-blockers or other medications that regulate heart rate. Consult with a healthcare provider if you plan to take ginseng regularly.
3. Poria Cocos Fungus (복령 / Bokryeong)
- Potential Interaction: As a mild diuretic, Poria may increase the diuretic effect of medications like thiazide diuretics or loop diuretics, which are often prescribed for high blood pressure. This could potentially lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
- Recommendation: If you’re already on diuretics, limit or avoid Poria to prevent any compounding diuretic effects.
4. Angelica Gigas Root (당귀 / Danggui)
- Potential Interaction: Angelica can thin the blood slightly, which may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications often prescribed for cardiovascular conditions, like warfarin or aspirin. While it does not typically affect blood pressure directly, it could increase bleeding risk if combined with blood thinners.
- Recommendation: Be cautious with Angelica if you’re on blood thinners or anticoagulants and consult your doctor before use.
5. Cnidium Officinale Root (천궁 / Cheongung)
- Potential Interaction: Cnidium may improve circulation and promote blood flow, which, while beneficial, might interact with medications that regulate blood pressure or circulation.
- Recommendation: Generally safe in moderate amounts, but check with your healthcare provider if you’re taking circulatory or blood pressure medications.
General Guidelines
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you’re on prescription blood pressure medication, it’s important to discuss any herbal tea or supplement use with your healthcare provider, as some interactions can be complex.
- Monitor Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring can help you gauge how the tea affects your blood pressure and determine if there’s any adverse interaction with your medication.
- Limit Intake: If consuming this tea, limit it to occasional use, ideally not more than once a week, to minimize interaction risks.
In summary, licorice root is the most likely to interfere with blood pressure medications, while other herbs may have milder or indirect interactions. Always exercise caution with herbal teas if you’re managing high blood pressure with prescription medication
Additional Research
After you complete the foundation AI research, you also need to validate the data regarding the Korean Traditional Medicine teas. Using the AI Information, source keywords for finding additional research and articles regarding each of the ingredients. After you have further research, ask your traditional medicine provider more specific questions about the tea. Verify everything.
Additional Articles
Other articles you may find useful:
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
