Literature survey on steaming processing method based on 'Dongeuibogam' and 'Euihakipmun'

Abstract

Objectives : provides the basis on steaming processing method (SPM) which was stated in 'Dongeuibogam' and 'Euihakipmun'. Methods : Drugs and prescriptions listed in 'Dongeuibogam' and 'Euihakipmun' were investigated by following criteria; (i) name and prescription of SPM-applied drugs, (ii) protocols on the use of the supporting materials, (iii) kind of supporting materials, (iv) processing period, (v) part of the herb plants, (vi) efficacy of herbal drugs, (vii) tastes of herbal drugs, (viii) meridian tropism of the herbal drugs. Results : 1. The number of herbs was 92 species of from 'Dongeuibogam', 87 from 'Euihakipmun', and the number of prescriptions was 197 from 'Dongeuibogam' and 119 from 'Euihakipmun'. 2. Infiltrating steaming and mixing and steaming procedures were used to process supporting materials. 3. The abundance of supporting materials was in the order of alcohol and ginger juice. 4. A twelve hour-period was most frequently used. 5. The herbal parts used most were in the order of fruit, seed, roots, and stem. 6. According to an efficacy category, a drug supplementing invigoration was used most frequently and a drug eliminating heat followed next. 7. Based on four spirit features, herbs showing warm, cold, and mild features were used most. 8. In considering five tastes, herbs showing sweet and bitter tastes were used most. 9. The herbs supporting the function of liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach, and lung were used in SPM. The herbs converging to the kidneys and the liver were conducted most in 'Dongeuibogam' and 'Euihakipmun' respectively. No case for herbal drug converging to 'Samcho' was reported. Conclusions : Our investigation on the use of SPM from 'Dongeuibogam' and 'Euihakipmun' revealed that there are special principles underlying the use of supporting materials, SPM period, parts and efficacy.