Tangaek — Decoctions · Herbs

水蓼 Water Pepper Seed

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Suryo is a knotweed of shallow water, glossed in the book with the old Korean name 'yeotgwi'. It belongs with the water pepper in the crop guide, red-stemmed and broader-leaved than the garden kind. The leaf bites sharply on the tongue, and in Japan the red sprouts are served beside raw fish.

Original, read line by line 東醫寶鑑 · Tangaek — Decoctions vol. 3

  1. 性冷, 味辛, 無毒.

    Its nature is cold, its taste pungent, and it is non-toxic.

    HomiclubSuryo is a knotweed of shallow water margins, to which the Donguibogam attaches the vernacular name yeotgwi. Its leaf carries a sharp bite, which is why English calls the plant water pepper.

  2. 主蛇毒及脚氣腫.

    It governs snake venom and the swelling of gakgi (脚氣, leg qi).

  3. 葉似蓼, 莖赤.

    Its leaves resemble those of the knotweed, and its stem is red.

  4. 生淺水中, 其葉大於家蓼. 《本草》

    It grows in shallow water, and its leaves are larger than those of the cultivated knotweed. 《Boncho (本草)》

    HomiclubIt is a common sight along Korean streams and paddy banks. In Japan its red seedlings are served as a garnish with raw fish.

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This is a cultural and historical record from a classical text, not a claim about any food’s effects. Nothing here is a health supplement or intended to prevent or treat disease. Consult a medical professional about health concerns. · Text: Korean Medicine Classics DB · Reading: Homiclub