What is Ssuk (쑥)?

On June 3, 2005, the Washington Post published an article discussing how a Korean lady, living in Montgomery County, unintentionally violated a law by plucking the feathery green plant from a county park.

What is the feathery green plant?

It’s 쑥, mugwort in English. It’s pronounced “ssuk.” (The article referred to it as “souk.”)

Some characteristics

• Green leaves
• Hairless leaves on the top
• Slivery-white wooly fibers underneath
• Has herbal scent
• Spreads well on the ground

Some functions of 쑥

• High in Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, minerals (iron, calcium, potassium, etc.) 
• Helps to prevent aging
• Helps to improve liver function
• Helps to lower your cholesterol level

..and many more!

쑥 can look like a weed, and some countries consider it as a weed, but Koreans love eating and using 쑥.

It’s a plant Koreans love so much that it’s used in different industries, including food and beverage, skincare, and medicine.

Wait.. what is moxibustion? 

It’s a traditional Korean medicine therapy that burns cones made of dried mugwort on particular points on the body (usually on the back). It’s known to stimulate blood circulation and replenish your energy.

In the early spring, when mugwort starts to come out, people go out for a walk, carrying a plastic bag and sickle (or bare hands) to pluck mugwort on the ground.

(I remember my grandmother used to hand-ick mugwort in the hills. It’s still common in the countryside, whereas it’s hard to find in the cities.)

What are some famous plants in your country that others may not know of?