Chongmyungtang: Does It Truly Boost Concentration?

Hello, I am Dr. Hyocheong Chae, Director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, a place where kindness resides.

Chongmyungtang, does it truly help with concentration? One of the phrases I often hear in the clinic these days is, “My child studies hard, but their concentration span is too short.” Especially after entering high school, as the amount of study rapidly increases and competition intensifies, parents concerned about decreased concentration continue to visit.

Amidst this, many people ask, “Can Chongmyungtang be prescribed?” Today, let’s discuss what Chongmyungtang is, whether it truly helps students, and which children need herbal medicine, from a Korean medicine perspective. What is Chongmyungtang? Chongmyungtang (聰明湯) literally means ‘a decoction that makes one intelligent‘ and is a traditional herbal prescription passed down since the Goryeo Dynasty.

Key medicinal herbs in Chongmyungtang include the following. •Seokchangpo (Acorus gramineus): Clears the mind and helps improve language ability and memory. •Wonji (Polygala tenuifolia): Calms the mind and body, improving concentration and sleep quality.

•Baekboksin (Poria cocos with host wood): Reduces anxiety and relieves tension. •Insam (Ginseng), Gamcho (Licorice): Replenish vital energy and enhance learning endurance. In addition, for a truly ‘customized Chongmyungtang,’ the herbs must be adjusted according to the child’s constitution, current condition, and level of study stress.

Chongmyungtang, will it really help my child? Chongmyungtang is not a panacea that works identically for all children. There are various true reasons for decreased concentration. Many parents only want ‘medicine that helps with studying,’ but in reality, finding the root cause of why a child cannot concentrate is much more important.

The causes of decreased concentration in children are diverse. •Weak digestion: If the stomach and intestines are weak, energy supply is not smooth. •Blood deficiency: If blood flow to the brain is insufficient, one feels dull and finds it difficult to concentrate.

•Vital energy •Weak vital energy: If physical strength is low, one cannot immerse themselves in studying even when sitting down. •Excessive Dampness-Phlegm: If there are many stagnant waste products in the body, the head feels heavy and foggy. •Emotional instability, insomnia, and excessive tension are also major causes of decreased concentration. As such, since the causes differ for each child, the prescription must also differ.

There is a regrettable phrase I often hear in the clinic. “The Suneung (CSAT) is one month away, and my child is struggling so much. Please prescribe something.” Of course, taking it for a month can also help. However, herbal medicine for constitutional improvement and concentration enhancement may require adjustment over a certain period depending on the individual’s condition, and it is best to establish a dosage plan through consultation with an expert.

To regulate a child’s condition and enhance their learning ability, it is important to visit the clinic in advance to diagnose the child’s state and adjust the timing of herbal medicine intake. Not all children need herbal medicine. Occasionally, mothers bring their children, saying, “Please prescribe some tonic herbal medicine. They say it helps with studying.”

and bring their child. However, after examining the child’s condition, if it’s not necessary, I clearly state, ‘You don’t need to take it now.’ Herbal medicine should not be given ‘just because it’s good for studying,’ but rather prescribed after determining if the child truly needs it.

Unnecessary tonic herbal medicine depending on the child’s condition may not be helpful, so an accurate diagnosis is important.

You must be greatly concerned about your student child’s concentration and learning ability. However, it is important to first examine the current state of your child’s body and mind. Through Korean medicine consultation, we will discuss ways to help your child’s health and learning environment. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.

This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.