Ssukcha


Ssukcha, also called mugwort tea or wormwood tea, is a traditional Korean tea made from Korean mugwort. It is commonly consumed in both North and South Korea.

Preparation

The preparation involves leaves of mugwort harvested around the dano month. The leaves are washed, drained, chopped, and dried in a shaded area for 3‒10 days. Dried mugwort leaves are then roasted in a round-bottomed deokkeum-sot. In a teapot, a handful of mugwort and a cup of water is added, and boiled for 5‒10 minutes.

Medicinal use

Korean mugwort is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals. In the past, mugwort tea was believed to help prevent and treat the common cold, reducing fever and inflammation, relieving pain, and lowering blood pressure.

Other uses

Ssukcha may serve as a natural herbicide.