- Type
- Root Vegetables
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- Spring
- Sowing
- From seed
Deodeok (Korean Bonnet Bellflower Root)
Codonopsis lanceolata
Saponins for the lungs and airways
Deodeok (Codonopsis lanceolata) is a fragrant root in the bellflower family, closely related to balloon flower (doraji). In traditional Korean medicine it is called yangyu, or "goat's milk," because cutting the stem releases a milky white sap; the herb was used to cool heat in the lungs and to loosen phlegm. Its distinctive aroma and gentle bitterness come from triterpenoid saponins, and the signature dish is deodeok-gui, the root pounded flat and grilled with a gochujang glaze. Keep in mind that most modern research on deodeok is still at the animal or cell-culture stage, so human evidence remains limited.
Year-Round Calendar
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How to grow
- Light
- Part shade. Strong sun scorches the leaves
- Soil and depth
- 30cm deep or more with good drainage
- Spacing
- 20cm
- Watering
- Sparingly. It resents wet feet
- Feeding
- Sparingly
- Harvest
- Lift in autumn after two or three years
What makes the difference. It climbs, so give it support. Damage the root when lifting and the aroma goes with it
Why this one is harder. Two or three years to a crop, and it is intolerant of wet soil
This page describes how a crop is grown and used. It does not claim health effects for any food, nor is it intended to prevent or treat disease. Component and study notes are references only and do not mean the same result occurs in people. Consult a medical professional about health concerns.
Health Benefits
Lungs and airways (traditional). Deodeok (yangyu), along with balloon flower, was a traditional remedy used to cool heat in the lungs and break up phlegm. Its saponins are cited as the key active component.
Modern research (preliminary). Deodeok saponins have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-related activity in studies, but most of this work is preclinical and human clinical evidence is still limited.
Nutrition
- Triterpenoid saponins (Source of deodeok's signature bitterness and aroma) — Expectorant and anti-inflammatory action (a traditional lung herb)
- Inulin and dietary fiber (Soluble polysaccharide) — Supports the gut environment
Pairings
○ Gochujang (deodeok-gui) — Pound the root flat, brush it with a gochujang glaze, and grill it; the bitterness of the saponins plays off the sweet-and-spicy seasoning. This is deodeok's signature dish.
○ Sesame oil and sesame seeds (deodeok-muchim) — Tear raw deodeok into strips and toss it with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and vinegar to highlight its aroma and crisp texture.
○ Honey (deodeok-jeonggwa) — Steeping the root in honey softens its bitterness, making a soothing snack that is traditionally said to be good for the throat. (Jeonggwa is a Korean candied confection.)
Source: Rural Development Administration (Nongsaro) · traditional materia medica (yangyu)