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The Health Benefits of Traditional Korean Tea

Sipjeondaebotang (left) and ssanghwatang

While tea and coffee as drunk in the West are mainly a matter of personal taste, traditional Korean tea should be chosen in consideration of body constitution and state of health.

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Ginger or date tea, for instance, is recommended for people with a cold, and chrysanthemum tea for a headache.

Traditional Korean tea has medicinal effects so it is good for maintaining good health in the deep winter.

The most popular types of medical tea are ssanghwatang and sipjeondaebotang made of an assortment of medicinal herbs including ginseng, Korean angelica, milk vetch root, white atractylis, and cinnamon.

Sipjeondaebotang is the stronger version as it contains a 10 herbs in all, three more than ssanghwatang. Dates or ginger can be added for flavor.

Sipjeondaebotang means "wholly and dearly protect and preserve everything". The infusion is widely used to help people with a weak constitution as it is effective in boosting the immune system and has invigorating qualities.

Ssanghwatang literally means "harmony of both energy and blood". It helps against fatigue, has anti-inflammatory effect, and helps the liver function better -- a great health supplement for those recovering from flu.

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