Modern science sophisticatedly supports the wisdom of Donguibogam. Ginsenoside, the core component of ginseng, is known as a leading representative adaptogen, acting in complex ways across several systems of our body. It is a substance that helps increase resistance to stress and maintain homeostasis.
In particular, components such as ginsenoside Rg1 and ginsenoside Rb1 affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to regulate levels of the stress hormone cortisol and balance neurotransmitters, thereby contributing to fatigue improvement and enhanced cognitive function. Furthermore, multiple studies have revealed that it increases immune cell activity and prevents cell damage through antioxidant activity. By promoting nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells, it can improve blood circulation and positively affect blood glucose control. This can be seen as the modern interpretation of what Donguibogam describes as supplementing primordial qi and calming the spirit and benefiting wisdom.
However, as warned in Donguibogam, ginseng is not an all-purpose cure for everyone. In people who already have excessive body heat, high blood pressure, or a tendency toward insomnia, the active ingredients of ginseng can excessively stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing anxiety, headache, palpitations, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure. In particular, those taking certain medications such as anticoagulants or hypoglycemic agents must consult a healthcare professional due to potential interactions with ginseng.
Conversely, liriope tuber contains ingredients like polysaccharides and saponins, which are known to relieve inflammation, protect mucosa, and exert antioxidant activity. Medically, replenishing yin fluid can be interpreted as replenishing moisture and mucus in the body, keeping the mucosa hydrated, and reducing discomfort caused by dryness such as dry cough, dry mouth, and gastric hyperacidity. Especially for those in a state of yin deficiency with effulgent fire, where body heat rises and body fluids are consumed due to stress, medicinal herbs like liriope tuber may be far more suitable than ginseng to restore balance. In this way, because our body consists of a complex system, please remember that an individualized approach considering one's constitution and current health status is essential for any medicinal herb.
