Korea’s ‘Calming Pill’ Gains Spotlight as High-Stakes College Entrance Exam Looms

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] As South Korea’s pivotal College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), or Suneung, approaches, a traditional remedy called CheongShimHwan takes center stage on pharmacy shelves. Known as the “calming pill,” this herbal medicine is a go-to for students and parents seeking to ease nerves before high-pressure exams or interviews.

Officially named WooHwangCheongShimWon (牛黃淸心元), CheongShimHwan is regarded as one of the three most revered medicines in Korean traditional pharmacology. Its historical roots trace back to medical texts from China’s Song and Ming dynasties, but it gained prominence in Korea through the detailed formulation recorded in Donguibogam, a 17th-century medical encyclopedia by the Joseon Dynasty physician Heo Jun. Once an exclusive preparation crafted in royal courts and bestowed by kings upon loyal subjects, it is now widely available in pharmacies across South Korea.

CheongShimHwan is a traditional Korean herbal medicine used to relieve anxiety and tension, calming the mind before important moments such as exams or interviews. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)

CheongShimHwan is a complex blend of roughly 30 herbal ingredients, including woohwang (bovine gallstones), musk (a secretion from the musk deer), deer antler, and ginseng. It is celebrated for its ability to lower blood pressure, calm the mind, and alleviate symptoms of palpitations and anxiety. Modern research has suggests potential benefits for conditions such as hypertension, anxiety disorders, nervous irritability, and autonomic nervous system imbalance.

For optimal effect, the pill form is recommended 30 to 60 minutes before a stressful event like an exam or interview, while liquid formulations are best taken 20 to 30 minutes prior. The calming effects typically last about an hour, and taking it after a meal is advised for better absorption.

However, caution is warranted. Individuals with low blood pressure or heart conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as CheongShimHwan may lower blood pressure further or cause excessive sedation, potentially leading to drowsiness or reduced focus. The inclusion of licorice root in its formula also raises concerns about hypokalemia (low potassium levels) with prolonged use, making it best suited for short-term, as-needed consumption.

Today, CheongShimHwan is accessible without a prescription at pharmacies, costing approximately 5,000 to 10,000 Korean won (about $3.50 to $7 USD) per dose. During exam season, it earns the nickname “Suneung essential,” symbolizing its role as a trusted ally for calming nerves in South Korea’s high-stakes academic culture, where the CSAT is a critical determinant of university admissions and future career paths.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

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