JOURNAL

Stories of Herbal Wellness

Making Korean medicine accessible. We share insights to support your daily health.

Latest articles

Holding Your Breath During Strength Training: Yangsaeng and Keeping a Breathing Log

The traditional idea of activity without exhaustion offers a way to reflect on exercise habits. Modern breathing guidance remains separate from classical texts; neither a breathing log nor a classical phrase establishes individual medical safety.

Sugar-Free Snacks: Traditional Sweet-Taste Categories and Nutrition Labels

Traditional gammi, the sweet-taste category, and the sugars listed on a food label describe different things. Read classical context, product information, and the amount you actually eat separately.

$Replacing a Meal with a Protein Shake: Traditional Food Categories and Nutrition Labels$

Replacing a Meal with a Protein Shake: Traditional Food Categories and Nutrition Labels

Traditional food-care texts describe multiple food categories, not protein grams. Before replacing a meal with a shake, examine the whole product, preparation method, and foods being added or removed.

Low-Sodium Salt: When Should You Check Potassium?

Distinguishes the harmony of five flavors and the applicable users of potassium-containing salt, and checks family medications, kidney function, and product labels together.

Seaweed, Kelp Supplements and Iodine: What Should You Record?

Distinguishes traditional Sikchi descriptions of seaweed from modern iodine information and separately records forms, content units, and medications of foods and supplements.

Are All Fermented Foods Probiotics? A Food-Care Perspective

Distinguishes fermentation process, live microbes, and strain-specific evidence, linking sikchi’s food perspective to product labels and actual meal records.

Rice porridge versus cooked rice: is one bowl equivalent?

A bowl of rice porridge and a bowl of cooked rice may contain different amounts of rice and nutrients. Compare water, ingredients, portions and side dishes together.

Raw or cooked vegetables? Comparing meals and preparation

You do not need to choose only raw or only cooked vegetables. Compare variety, actual portions, cooking methods, oils, seasonings and comfort.

Lactose intolerance or milk allergy? Why the difference matters

Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are different conditions. Lactose-free milk is not necessarily safe for milk allergy.

Grapefruit and medicine interactions: check before drinking juice

Grapefruit can affect some medicines, so being a fruit does not make it automatically safe. Check the exact medicines, herbal ingredients and drink labels with a clinician or pharmacist.

Juice cleanses versus balanced nourishment: replacing meals?

Practising food-based nourishment does not require replacing meals with juice. Consider both the drink's ingredients and what would be missing from the meal it replaces.

Does decaf contain caffeine? Amounts, timing and sleep

Decaf does not necessarily mean caffeine-free. Check product information, the amount and time you drink it, other beverages and your sleep schedule. Changing one drink cannot by itself explain insomnia or a change in weight.

How much cooking oil did you eat? Measuring shared meals

Record the oil added to the whole dish separately from your portion. Note the measuring tool, units and additional oil. If leftovers in the pan or portion sizes are unknown, label the amount as an estimate.

Are smartwatch calorie estimates accurate enough to plan meals?

A smartwatch estimates calories burned; that number is not automatically an allowance to eat more. Check the time period, whether resting energy is included and duplicate activity across apps.

Walking blisters and heel rubbing: when to stop and check

If your heel hurts or becomes red from rubbing, stop and inspect the skin rather than chasing a step target. Check shoe fit and damp or wrinkled socks.

Dry mouth or thirst? What to notice during meals

A sticky, dry mouth and wanting to drink can occur together, but they are not the same sensation. Note timing, difficulty eating and medication changes rather than assuming that simply drinking more will resolve the problem.

The five flavours and salt: do you need extra seasoning?

Saltiness being one of the traditional five flavours does not mean you need to add salt. Consider sodium separately from taste and check soups, side dishes and sauces together.

Warming foods in Korean medicine versus hot drink temperature

A food's traditional warming classification is not an instruction to drink it very hot. Consider classification, actual temperature and added sugar separately.

How fast should you walk? Using the talk test

Judge walking effort through breathing, conversation and perceived exertion rather than another person's pace. At moderate intensity, talking is generally possible but singing is difficult.

Emotional eating diary: hunger, feelings and triggers

If emotions seem to influence eating, briefly note the preceding situation, feelings and hunger alongside the food. Emotions and hunger can coexist. Use the diary to identify support, not to forbid meals or blame yourself.

Weekend overeating and irregular meals: planning before going out

Plan food options around waking time, travel and social arrangements instead of forcing weekday clock times. After an unplanned meal, prepare to return to ordinary eating.

How to identify whole grains: brown bread, multigrain and labels

Brown colour or a multigrain name does not guarantee whole grains. Check the ingredients, grain processing and what any percentage refers to. Even with whole-grain choices, consider actual portions and the rest of the meal.

Night-shift meal timing: planning around sleep and breaks

Plan shift-work meals around your main sleep, commute, breaks and food access. A daytime worker's schedule or identical clock times may not fit.

When to walk after eating: timing and comfort

There is no single waiting time for everyone before a post-meal walk. Consider meal size, stomach comfort, health conditions and any exercise advice.