6 Healing Remedies From Daegu's Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market

Yangnyeongsi Market is a prime spot to experience Daegu’s rich medicinal culture . Established in 1658, the market is one of the few of its kind that remains today, and almost half of Korea’s trade of medicinal herbs happens here. From roots and bugs to snakes and deer antlers, the market offers countless herbal remedies for an equally incalculable number of ailments. Here are 6 healing remedies.

A salesman demonstrates how medicinal mushrooms are cut

Ginseng

Perhaps the most prevalent sales item of the market is Korean ginseng, which fills the air with a pungent, earthy aroma. In fact, over 20 of the market’s shops sell the root that promises to enhance concentration, reduce stress, increase stamina and treat blood pressure. Korean ginseng is said to be the best in the world, and makes a great souvenir.

Along the market road, stop in one of the oriental medical clinics for an acupuncture session. Acupuncture works to correct imbalances of energy flow to treat certain ailments through the insertion of needles at identifiable points close to the skin.

Cupping

Cupping therapy, like acupuncture, is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on the skin for a short amount of time to create suction. Visitors to the market opt for this treatment for multiple reasons, including to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood flow, relaxation and well-being.

Citrus fruit at Daegu’s herbal medicine market

Ssanghwacha

Feeling under the weather? Try a cup of ssanghwacha to get your energy back. This slightly bitter tea gets its name from an ancient prescription used to bring the body into a more balanced state of equilibrium. It’s known to cure fatigue, physical weakness and cold sweats. Traditionally made by boiling down a number of medicinal herbs, it can be purchased in pre-made form in most medicinal herb shops and supermarkets today.

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Deer Antler

For thousands of years, Koreans have used deer antler in a multitude of ways, ranging from restorative stimulants to skin treatments. Recent studies have shown that deer antler extract can be beneficial in increasing red blood cell and haemoglobin counts, improving uterine muscle tone and increasing blood output from the heart.

Traditional Asian medicines, roots, herbs and spices

1. Herbal Medicine Foot Bath

Market

After letting your senses run wild at the market, stop in at the nearby Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine. Here, you can not only learn more about the history of traditional Korean medicine, but can also partake in an herbal medicine footbath. Soak your feet in a concoction of various herbs that will help boost your blood circulation, which will no doubt be helpful after a long day of sightseeing.

49 Dalgubeol-daero 415-gil, Namseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea

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