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Photograph of Hibiscus syriacus L. (Rose of Sharon Bark)
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Rose of Sharon Bark

무궁화 (木槿) · Hibiscus syriacus L.
Astringent, diarrhea-stopping herb Neutral Not specified in the source text Large Intestine
NatureNeutral
TasteNot specified in the source text
MeridiansLarge Intestine
Part usedBark (flower also used, recorded separately)
FamilyMalvaceae
CategoryAstringent, diarrhea-stopping herb
Find by concern: Blood in stoolDiarrheaThirst

Overview

Mugunghwa is Korea's national flower, but the Donguibogam entry under this name treats its bark, not the bloom, as medicine — recorded for stopping intestinal bleeding and the lingering thirst that follows dysentery. The flower itself is recorded as a separate sub-entry with its own, related use.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性平, 無毒. 止腸風瀉血, 及痢後渴.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral and it is non-toxic. It stops intestinal-wind bleeding and the thirst that follows dysentery.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Astringes the intestines
  • Stops bleeding
  • Relieves post-dysentery thirst

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Blood in the stool from intestinal wind
  • Chronic loose stool with bleeding tendency
  • Thirst following a bout of dysentery

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g of the bark.

Cautions

Caution: An astringent bark historically taken as a decoction; blood in the stool should always be medically evaluated rather than self-treated. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

Does the Donguibogam use the mugunghwa flower or the bark as medicine?

The main entry (木槿) is the bark, used for intestinal bleeding and post-dysentery thirst. The flower is recorded as a separate sub-entry with its own, related use for dysentery.

Is this the same plant as Korea's national flower?

Yes — Hibiscus syriacus is the same species officially recognized as Korea's national flower; the Donguibogam entry predates that designation by centuries and treats it purely as a medicinal bark.

Sources