Homiclub

Tangaek — Decoctions · Vegetables

黃蜀葵花 Sunset Hibiscus

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Hwangchokgyuhwa is the flower of the sunset hibiscus, noted here as ililhwa, the one-day flower, because each pale yellow bloom of late summer lasts a single day. The mucilage from its root is what papermakers still stir into the vat to keep hanji fibres evenly suspended. The text insists it is no hollyhock.

Original, read line by line 東醫寶鑑 · Tangaek — Decoctions vol. 2

  1. 治小便淋及難産.

    It addresses rim (淋, strangury) and difficult childbirth.

    HomiclubHwangchokgyuhwa is the flower of dakpul (Abelmoschus manihot), an annual in the mallow family. The viscous sap from its root is used in hanji papermaking to keep mulberry fibers evenly suspended in the vat.

  2. 又主諸惡瘡, 膿水久不差.

    It also governs various akchang (惡瘡, malignant sores) and pus and discharge that long fail to close.

  3. 與蜀葵別種, 非謂蜀葵中花黃者.

    It is a different species from chokgyu (蜀葵, hollyhock); it does not mean the yellow-flowered kind among hollyhocks.

  4. 葉尖狹, 多刻缺, 夏末開花淺黃色. 六七月採花, 陰乾用. 《本草》

    Its leaves are narrow and pointed with many deep incisions, and it opens pale yellow flowers at the end of summer. Gather the flowers in the sixth and seventh months and dry them in the shade for use. 《Boncho (本草)》

    HomiclubThe deeply cut leaf is the clue that separates this plant from hollyhock. Hollyhock leaves are broad with shallow lobes, while dakpul leaves are split into narrow finger-like segments, telling them apart at a glance.

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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