A Medicinal Root

Finally found out exactly what my Traditional Korean Medicine doctor gave me because really it was a bit strange taking something I had no idea what it was. I was given Doraji (도라지) tea, taken from the root (radix platycodi) from the Balloon Flower. It is also known as the Chinese Bellflower or Platycodon grandiflorus. It has anti - inflammatory properties, and let me tell you, by the second cup I felt better from the THREE week sore throat I had. 

And A Folksong too!

The Doraji song originated in North Korea. It is the second most popular folk song in Korea, after  Arirang. 

• (1절) 도라지 도라지 도라지 심심산천의 도라지　 한두 뿌리만 캐어도 대바구니로 반실만 되누나 (후렴) 에헤요 에헤요 에헤애야 어여라난다 지화자 좋다 저기 저 산 밑에 도라지가 한들한들

Doraji, doraji, doraji! I walk over the pass where doraji flowers bloom. It is a path that is familiar to me. Hey-ya, hey!

• (2절) 도라지 도라지 도라지 은율(殷栗) 　금산포(金山浦) 백도라지　한 뿌리 두 뿌리 받으니 산골에 도라지 풍년일세

Doraji, doraji, doraji! I look at these while flowers that remind me of my mother, in the evening with the twinkling stars. Hey-ya-hei!

• (3절) 도라지 도라지 도라지 강원도 금강산 백도라지　 도라지 캐는 아가씨들 손맵시도 멋들어졌네

Doraji, doraji, doraji! When I wear these white flowers on my hair, it remind me of my young days and my dreams. Hey-ya, hey!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is American born Diva Rose Jang singing Doraji in both Korean and English:

 

 

and a German Boy’s Choir singing it, it kinda gave me chills: