Dr. Chae’s Recommended Herbal Medicine for Students

Hello! This is Dr. Hyocheong Chae, director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Dongcheon-dong, a place where kind hearts reside.

Students preparing for exams expend a lot of energy through brain activity during their studies. Especially, the sweltering heat of July and August and air conditioning sickness make it a physically challenging time. Furthermore, as mental fatigue also increases during this period due to special vacation lectures, strengthening physical stamina is more important than anything else.

Before the second semester begins, it is necessary to reorganize one’s body and mind and prepare to regain strength.

Academic stress commonly experienced by students preparing for exams often leads to decreased physical stamina, which in turn carries a high risk of leading to a decline in academic performance. Learning and implementing stress management techniques is essential. It is important to boost physical stamina and immunity to overcome stress during the exam preparation period.

Herbal medicine for students preparing for exams is prescribed considering the individual’s health condition and constitution. Immunity is a crucial function that protects our bodies from external infections and diseases. Healthy bodily functions are essential for maintaining immunity.

For example, for nutrients to be efficiently absorbed, digestive function must be smoothly maintained, and for necessary oxygen and nutrients to be properly supplied throughout the body, blood circulation must be good. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic’s herbal medicine clinic for students offers personalized consultations with the director to help students overcome academic stress and physical fatigue, enabling them to achieve optimal learning efficiency.

Prescriptions often include ‘Gami Chongmyungtang (加味聰明湯)’ or ‘Ikgi Chongmyungtang (益氣聰明湯)’, which add restorative herbal ingredients tailored to the individual’s constitution and health condition. Since most students preparing for exams not only experience decreased brain activity but also complain of physical fatigue, depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite, a personalized prescription tailored to their overall symptoms is necessary.

Cases where Chongmyungtang is needed: 1) Students and exam takers who engage in extensive brain activity all day long 2) Those whose minds feel foggy, have many distracting thoughts, and whose concentration is scattered 3) Those who quickly forget what they’ve memorized and have poor memory 4) Those with low comprehension who don’t immediately grasp explanations 5) Those who feel restless, depressed, and lethargic 6) Those experiencing extreme stress and difficulty sleeping

Regarding Sunyujae Chongmyungtang: When studying with focus and continuously, the consumption of blood (血) is particularly high. To enhance memory and maintain concentration for long periods, blood supply and circulation to the brain through blood tonification are paramount. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these characteristics and combine the herbal ingredients accordingly.

Sunyujae Chongmyungtang Plus: To the basic ingredients of Chongmyungtang—Boksin (Poria cocos with root), Wonji (Polygala root), and Seokchangpo (Acorus gramineus)—other herbal ingredients are added or removed, such as Cheongung (Cnidium rhizome), Dangui (Angelica gigas), Chija (Gardenia fruit), Baekji (Angelica dahurica), Bakha (Peppermint), and Gukhwa (Chrysanthemum flower). The prescription and herbal composition are adjusted according to the individual’s symptoms.

Key Ingredients of Sunyujae Chongmyungtang Plus: Dangui (當歸): A representative blood-tonifying herb that helps restore vitality, promotes blood circulation, and replenishes blood consumed by studying. Bakha (薄荷): Helps clear the head, eyes, and throat, and aids in stress relief. Cheongung (川芎): Plays a role in promoting blood circulation in the head, making it a renowned herb for headaches.

Wonji (遠志): Strengthens memory and calms an anxious mind. Gukhwa (菊花): Reduces heat in the eyes, relieves eye fatigue, and brightens vision. Seokchangpo (石菖蒲): Enhances concentration and improves memory and cognitive function.

Boksin (茯神): Stabilizes the mind and body, clearing the spirit. Chija (梔子): Relieves stress, alleviates chest discomfort, and clarifies vision. Baekji (白芷): An herb commonly used for headaches and rhinitis, helping to clear the head.

Advantages of Sunyujae Chongmyungtang Plus: Customized herbal medicine for students + Gongjindan / We offer the following prescriptions: – Prescriptions that clear the mind and enhance concentration – Personalized prescriptions that boost brain cell metabolism, improve memory, and enhance concentration – Prescriptions that protect and clarify the eyes, using ingredients like Gojiberry and Chrysanthemum, as eyes are prone to fatigue – Prescriptions to improve gastrointestinal function, as digestive function can easily decline due to stress and prolonged sitting at a desk

– Prescriptions to alleviate muscle fatigue for chronic neck, shoulder, and lower back pain – Prescriptions to relieve tension for students who cannot perform their best due to exam anxiety Guide to Taking Herbal Medicine for Students: – Normally: Prescriptions that physically strengthen one’s deficient areas (e.g., rhinitis, headaches, digestive disorders) – 1 month before the exam: Prescriptions that replenish blood (血) consumed by studying, clearing the eyes and mind (Chongmyungtang Plus) – 10 days before the exam: Actively improving concentration and memory (Musk Gongjindan)

– On exam day: Maintain concentration and physical stamina by taking Gongjindan (1-2 pills per day).

If you have any questions about herbal medicine for students, please add us on Kakao Channel and feel free to inquire via KakaoTalk or phone. Dongcheon-dong Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic 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.