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The annual Sunung (University Scholastic Ability Test), which determines the outcome of many Korean teens’ 12 years of education, is just a month away. This test is a big event that delays his workday by an hour, delays the start of the stock market by an hour and stops the plane for his 25 minutes for an English listening test.
Koreans’ passion for academic achievement combined with their obsession with health supplements has created a large market for supplements and traditional medicines. Advertisers claim it helps students stay in top shape for exams.
What are they and are they really useful?
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“Herbal Medicine”: Traditional Korean Medicine
Korea’s traditional herbal medicine, called “Hanmyuk”, is commonly thought of as a way to replenish physical strength before an important event.
“Chongmyeong” has two meanings in Korean: memory and intelligence. Hence, the herbal medicine’s name suggests that it can enhance intellectual abilities.
“According to Donguibogam, a prestigious medical book written during the Joseon Dynasty in the 17th century, Cheongmyeongtang is a medicine that cures forgetfulness. It’s written in,” said Dr. Song Jin-ho, an oriental medicine doctor at the Palace Clinic in Seoul.
Song said that several animal studies have proven that cheongmyeongtang is effective against forgetfulness, dementia and memory loss. “But the drug takes a relatively long time. And, although rare, it can actually cause memory loss in some people,” he added.
Regarding ‘cheongsinhwan,’ a traditional Korean medicine known to be effective for tension and anxiety, Song said it was originally an emergency sedative for stroke and epilepsy.
“It stabilizes excessive heartbeat and blood flow, helping students who suffer from tension, but it can slow down the nervous system’s reaction. We need to,” Song said.
Kim Do-hwan, an oriental medicine doctor at Duchung Oriental Medicine Clinic in Seoul, also stressed that individual factors must be considered before trying any medicine. However, simply brewing a concentrated medicine may actually harm the body. It is necessary to consult a doctor in advance, taking into consideration the individual condition and symptoms.”
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vitamins and supplements
Various supplements are also popular. Vitamins and other nutritional supplements are commonly taken by people of all walks of life, but experts say there are still some caveats.
“Drugs for certain conditions and diseases, like drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes, work similarly for everyone, but[the effects]of dietary supplements vary greatly from person to person,” said Shim Kyung-won, a professor of family medicine. said. Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital.
Shim said the best way to choose a supplement is to selectively take what you don’t have enough of. It has no effect on people who are eating
Shim also pointed out the risk of triggering allergies. “I have seen patients with vitamin B allergies. It’s better to try what you have.”
Shim emphasized that there is no magic potion that improves intellectual ability, saying, “It’s all a lie.”
“There are some nutrients the brain needs, such as a certain amount of sugar or DHA, but eating too much at once won’t help.” Sim added that it’s always better to eat healthy foods on a daily basis.
Beware of Misuse and Traps
Careful use of hanyak and nutritional supplements can help, but sometimes the zeal for education goes too far.
Districts in southern and northern Seoul — areas where residents are known to be most enthusiastic about education, according to Shin, according to data received by Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Hyun-yong from the National Health Insurance Administration on Oct. 20. have the highest prescribing rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs.
An analysis by Singh’s office found that the high rate of ADHD prescriptions in the region is due to rumors among parents that ADHD treatment is effective in improving concentration.
Methylphenidate is the main ingredient in ADHD medications on the market, and it helps calm the brains of those who have trouble concentrating. However, it can disrupt the brain, causing insomnia, loss of appetite, and headaches.
“Such arbitrary drug use is of course not recommended. Only patients with relevant symptoms should take ADHD drugs under a doctor’s prescription,” said a doctor at Ewha Women’s University Mokdong Hospital. Mr Sim said.
Parents and students should also be aware of the traps that take advantage of despair. Last year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety uncovered 194 illegal online advertisements for products targeting parents and students right before Juno’s tenure.
Phrases such as “enhance memory and concentration” were used on regular foods without certification, while some products were sold in traditional Korean recipes, such as cheongmyeontang and gyeonggok, which have no associated ingredients at all. It was caught for being labeled as a drug. Please note that such drugs cannot be purchased online.
Lee Jeongyeon ([email protected])
