1. Purifying Internal "Dull Energy" – Job’s Tears Tea (Uimum-cha / Coix Seed Tea)
In Oriental medicine, Job’s Tears (Yulmu) is known as 'Uimum-in (薏苡仁)' and is one of the most beloved ingredients in the field of dermatology.
Wisdom from Donguibogam: Job’s Tears is exceptional at discharging unnecessary moisture (phlegm-dampness) and heat from the body, and it has an excellent effect on removing inflammation (pus). Since ancient times, it has been used as a folk remedy to remove warts and skin tags. It is highly effective in clearing away unwanted blemishes and refining the skin tone. It is particularly great for exfoliation and skin brightening.
How to Drink: Rather than the sweet, instant vending machine versions, it is best to mix 100% roasted Job’s Tears powder (with no additives) in warm water. Alternatively, you can boil roasted Job’s Tears and drink it regularly like barley tea.
(Caution: Pregnant women should avoid consumption, and those with a very "cold" body constitution should be careful not to consume it in excess.)
2. A Panacea for Blood Circulation, Ideal for Women – Angelica Gigas Tea (Dangwi-cha)
The name Dangwi (當歸) means "rightfully returning." It is an essential tea for managing melasma, particularly in women.
Wisdom from Donguibogam: Angelica Gigas is a representative herb that "replenishes blood" (Bohyeol) and "vitalizes blood circulation" (Hwalhyeol). In Oriental medicine, one of the primary causes of melasma is 'stagnant blood' (Eohyeol) resulting from poor circulation. Dangwi tea aids blood flow, ensuring a smooth supply of nutrients to the skin. It also warms the uterus, helping to fade blemishes caused by hormonal imbalances and bringing a pinkish, healthy glow back to a dull complexion.
3. The Eternal Red Fruit, an Antioxidant Powerhouse – Goji Berry Tea (Gugija-cha)
Legend has it that Qin Shi Huang sought Goji berries in his quest for eternal youth. They are exceptional for preventing age spots caused by the aging process.
Wisdom from Donguibogam: Goji berries strengthen liver and kidney functions and replenish the body's essential fluids (moisture). Rich in Vitamins C and A, as well as Beta-carotene—a powerful antioxidant—they help prevent skin aging and assist in reducing existing melanin pigmentation. This is the most recommended tea for when your skin becomes dry and age spots begin to increase as you get older.
How to Drink: Lightly roast dried Goji berries, then boil them in water until a deep red color is extracted. The flavor is nutty and sweet, making it an enjoyable drink for everyone with no resistance.
4. A Harmony of Five Flavors, Recharging Skin Vitality – Five-Flavor Berry Tea (Omija-cha)
Named for its unique profile of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy notes, Omija is a "red jewel" that restores vitality to the skin.
Wisdom from Donguibogam: Omija protects the lungs and kidneys and has the effect of converging the body's energy. In particular, the anthocyanins—which give Omija its red color—and schisandrin help recover skin damaged by UV rays. Their antioxidant properties assist in maintaining a clear and translucent skin tone. It is excellent to drink when your skin is exhausted from stress.
How to Drink: Boiling Omija in hot water can make its bitter and sour notes too strong. Therefore, it is best to slowly infuse it in cold water (cold brew) for about a day. This "cold-steeping" method provides the best flavor and minimizes the destruction of nutrients. It is a perfect, refreshing drink for the summer.
5. Cooling Down Heat and Detoxifying – Persimmon Leaf Tea (Gamip-cha)
Though easily found all around us, this is a traditional tea whose benefits are by no means light.
Wisdom from Donguibogam: Persimmon leaves have long been beloved as a folk remedy rather than a formal medicinal herb. The most remarkable feature of persimmon leaves is that they contain an enormous amount of Vitamin C precursors (Provitamin C)—up to 20 times more than lemons. Since this form of Vitamin C is resistant to heat, it is perfectly suited for brewing as a tea. It inhibits melanin production and promotes collagen synthesis, making the skin bright and elastic. It is also effective at clearing "heat toxins" from the body, which helps soothe trouble-prone blemishes.
How to Drink: Harvest young persimmon leaves, dry them, and steep them in hot water. As it is caffeine-free, it is an excellent choice to drink comfortably throughout the day, just like water.
💡Tips for Enjoying Korean Herbal Tea:
Herbal teas are not intended for immediate results like modern medicine; rather, their purpose is to address root causes by restoring the body's overall balance. Drinking one or two cups daily for at least three months, while maintaining a peaceful mind and getting sufficient sleep, is the true shortcut to "Internal Brightening (Sok-mibaek)."
The traditional teas introduced today are more than just beverages to quench your thirst; they are precious "Medicinal Teas (Yak-cha)" that balance your inner body and empower your skin to clarify itself.
Since blemishes and age spots do not disappear overnight, the most important thing is to let go of impatience and remain consistent with your tea ritual. How about replacing just one cup of your daily coffee habit with a warm cup of traditional tea that suits your body?
The sense of leisure and healthy energy that a single cup of tea provides will accumulate over time, eventually gifting you with clear, translucently glowing skin.
I am rooting for your every day to shine healthily from the inside out. Thank you for reading this long post.
Best regards,
Beatrice_JiEun.
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