April2011-56p2011.3.297:6PMPage49
Health
Hanbang Cosmetics & Beverages osmetics is a big industry in Korea, and hanbang cosmetics are a large part of this industry. To show its importance, the two top hanbang cosmetic products – Sulwhasoo and Sooryehan – were given as presents to the first lady of each country who attended the 2010 G20 Summit in Seoul. Hanbang products are also internationally renowned. You can find hanbang cosmetics in department stores in cities like Hong-Kong and New York. But despite their popularity, not many people know what hanbang cosmetics are.
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What are hanbang cosmetic products made of? According to a survey conducted in 2010 by Daily Cosmetic about half of the 580 participants thought hanbang cosmetics was a mixture of cosmetics and oriental medicine while the other half thought it was cosmetics made with medicinal herbs. Both answers are partially correct, but because the KFDA (Korean Food and Drug Association) does not have a standard for hanbang cosmetics, each company has made its own standards. This can be confusing, but in general, products can be placed into one of three categories: 1. Pure and authentic. - All made of active ingredients from oriental medicine with no chemical components. 2. Common - A mixture of cosmetics and active ingredient from oriental medicine 3. Common Natural - No oriental medicine components but using natural components What are the benefits of hanbang cosmetics? According to the same survey, about 30 percent of respondents said that hanbang cosmetics produced excellent results, while a smaller number claimed that it had less side effects than other cosmetic products. The effectiveness of cosmetics containing hanbang varies according to the ingredients and mixing process. For example, Shulwhasoo uses traditional techniques called pose (포제) to make the oriental ingredients more effective. It includes red ginseng which is good for removing wrinkles. According to its makers, their product allows collagen to build deep in the skin attacking wrinkles from the inside. There are many brands to choose from in the hanbang cosmetic range. It can be difficult to find the right product for you, so it’s a good idea to check the ingredients and ask hanbang cosmetic users for recommendations.
Along with well-being trends, nowadays many people are paying attention to hanbang (Korean-medicine). In Korea, everyone knows how good hanbang is for their body, but because of its smell and taste, many people get far away from it. But, there’s a way you can enjoy hanbang easily in your life: its beverages. Many beverages that consist of hanbang ingredients have less smell and a less bitter taste. Beverage 流 Ryu (Nae momae he rel ryu) Ryu means “flowing all over the body", and this new concept tea takes care of the inside of your body. Ryu contains buckwheat which is effective for your body’s circulation, and 15 kinds of ingredients carefully selected from traditional oriental medicines. It also contains ingredients like dried orange peel, mushroom, ginseng, persimmon leaves and mulberry leaves. Even though it is made of so many ingredients, its taste is similar to normal tea. Jungkwanjang Hwalsam (정관장 활삼) Jungkwanjang Hwalsam offers, in my opinion, the best range of red ginseng drinks. They all contain a six-year old red ginseng concentrate from Jungkwanjang (Jungkwanjang is red ginseng brand of the Korea Ginseng Corporation which has a 110 year history). Red ginseng is effective in activating the digestive functions, overcoming fatigue and strengthening your immune system. The taste could be a little bitter than normal drinks, but in Korea there’s an old saying: “몸에 좋은 약은 입에 쓰다”. This means the medicine which is good for your health can be bitter when you take it. Hutgae tea (헛개차) Hutgae tea is made from the fruit of the hutgae tree and is well-known for being very effective in relieving hangovers and protecting the liver. The company that makes this tea insists that it is a beverage especially good for men and it will support frustrated fathers and husbands. This beverage gives off a pleasant aroma like nurungji – the crust of overcooked rice – and tastes similar to regular tea. All these products are easily found in markets and are also convenient to take. Every day, drink a small amount of hanbang tea. It will keep you healthy on the inside and on the outside, and make your skin soft. By Jung-kyu Baek and Ki-eun Lee Gwangju News April 2011
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