Kyung-ok-ko (瓊玉膏) is one of the representative herbal medicine tonics that have been widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for the purposes of nourishment, blood replenishment, and lung replenishment. It is a concentrated form of ‘pills or ointment’ made by carefully boiling root herbs, Poria cocos, raw rehmannia glutinosa, ginseng, and honey. It has been considered a ‘precious tonic’ since ancient times, and many people seek it out when they feel weak, to strengthen their immunity, or for the health of their bronchial tubes and lungs.
1. Traditional meaning and history of Kyung-ok-ko
The meaning of the Chinese character ‘Kyung-ok (瓊玉)’ is ‘Kyung (瓊, beautiful jade) + Ok (玉, jade)’, and it is also interpreted as ‘a precious and valuable medicine like a jewel’.
In fact, in old records, Kyung-ok-ko is said to “replenish energy, strengthen the five internal organs, and nourish the essence and blood.”
Historical background
Prescriptions related to Kyung-ok-ko are mentioned in Donguibogam and the records of the Joseon royal family, and it is said that it was often used in the palace to replenish the energy of the king and royal family. It was considered a precious tonic to the extent that even noble families would take Kyung-ok-ko to preserve their strength when they were seriously ill or in critical condition.
2. Main components and functions
Ginseng
A representative medicinal herb that replenishes energy and strengthens weak physical strength.
It is known that various saponin components are beneficial for enhancing immunity, and is the core responsible for the energy replenishing effect of Kyung-ok-ko.
Raw Jihwang
In traditional oriental medicine, ‘Jihwang’ is considered to replenish blood and nourish yin.
Raw Jihwang is interpreted to help relieve thirst and fatigue by reducing fever and replenishing body fluid. It plays a role in relieving blood clots and generating energy.
Poria cocos
A medicinal herb that contains the energy of immortality and is a root fungus of the pine tree.
Poria cocos is said to moisten the lungs and bronchial tubes and reduce phlegm. It is also used for coughs and tonsillitis.
Honey (蜂蜜)
It plays a role in holding the main ingredients together like taffy, and it also improves digestion and has antibacterial effects.
It is an essential element that adds a subtle sweetness and viscosity to Kyung-ok-ko and completes it in the form of ‘go (膏)’.
3. Expected effects and general dosage
Nourishing and strengthening the blood
It can be used to strengthen the energy of those with a weak constitution, chronic fatigue, or recovering from illness. Traditionally, it has been considered to ‘slow down aging, restore moisture to the body, and boost energy.’
Support for the lungs and respiratory system
Since ginseng and raw rehmannia root moisten the lungs and cool down the body, it can be helpful for those with dry bronchial tubes, chronic coughs, or frequent irritation in the throat.
Improving immunity and skin
It is interpreted that when qi and blood are full, the body’s immune defense is strengthened and it is also good for skin moisture. In fact, when the body is well-nourished, fatigue is reduced and skin tone can be clearer.
How to take
Generally, you can take 1 to 2 packets a day on an empty stomach in the morning and afternoon. The exact dosage may vary depending on the individual’s constitution and condition, so it is safe to follow the advice of an oriental medicine doctor or expert.
4. My own experience
Actually, I was prescribed Kyungokgo at a Korean medicine clinic when I was working overtime day and night. At that time, I had no energy and had a hard time getting up in the morning, so the Korean medicine doctor recommended, “Try Kyungokgo for about 2 weeks.”
Changes I felt
Honestly, for the first week or so, I wondered, “Is there a big effect?” But after about 10 days, the heaviness when I woke up in the morning gradually decreased, and I didn’t get tired as quickly as before even when doing simple exercise. After taking it consistently, I felt that my condition had improved a lot. Of course, I also tried to improve my rest and sleep patterns at the same time.
Tips for taking it
I don’t like sweet things very much, so I mixed it in hot water and drank it, and it was much easier to take. If you put it in your mouth right away, you can feel the stickiness and herbal taste of honey, so you may need to adjust it according to your taste.
Precautions
People who have a lot of body heat or have a weak stomach and find sweet foods difficult may experience digestive discomfort. I realized that it is safer to slowly increase the amount by one spoonful a day rather than eating a large amount from the beginning.
5. Notes
Consideration of individual constitution
Kyung-ok-ko is a health supplement, but those with excessively strong energy or high fever may experience side effects (headache, indigestion, etc.) when taking it. Consultation with a specialist is essential. It cannot replace treatment of diseases.
If you have a chronic disease or serious symptoms, hospital treatment is a priority. Kyung-ok-ko is more of a supplementary means to replenish energy.
Proper intake method
It is common to take it on an empty stomach or with warm water, but it is more accurate to follow the specific usage prescription of an oriental medicine doctor.
Kyung-ok-ko is traditionally known as a ‘precious tonic that brings luster to the body’ and is used to improve weak constitutions, strengthen the lungs and bronchial tubes, and boost immunity. In my case, I felt my physical strength gradually increase after taking it for a certain period of time when I was exhausted from working overtime, which was quite impressive.
Since each person's constitution and lifestyle are different, it is impossible to say that it is "unconditionally good for everyone." It is safest and most effective to try it after consulting with a specialist to see if it is suitable for your condition. If you take it consistently and take care of rest, sleep, and exercise, you will be able to feel the benefits of Gyeongokgo even better.
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