Want to start practicing jusul? Have these at hand and you'll be ready to go!
Red Pepper Powder, goch'ugaru. This is a different taste to the red pepper flakes and cayenne powder you may be used to from your American grocery outlet. It is typically quite fine and has a flavorful taste. It is used for sprinkling around your home or property to act as a barrier against ghosts and negative entities.
Mugwort (Artemisia princeps), ssuk. This may be harder to find actual dried herb or powdered herb form (I can supply you if you need this!), as most people who sell mugwort herbs is actually Artemisia vulgaris. Our mugwort is used in all sorts of things - food being a big staple. For jusul, it is used often. For smoke cleansing, spiritual baths, and in my mugwort infused candles. Mugwort helps open the gateway to the spirit world, is very protective, as well as being immensely cleansing and purifying of places, people, and energies. Mugwort is one of the primary herbs Bear Woman (Ungnyeo) ate for 100 days in order to become human.
Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), doraji. This is different from Korean bellflower (seomch'orongkkot), as we use doraji root for herbal remedies, food, and jusul. Due to its nature, we use it to aid with bronchitis, asthma, diabetes and inflammatory illnesses. It's extremely useful in expelling mucous from your lungs, so you can generally add the root or ground root powder to any food or hot drink. Generally with the powder method, be aware it is extremely bitter. Doraji is helpful to banish negative spirits.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), saenggang. Ginger is immensely powerful all over Asia for its properties. It has a high yang threshold and with its fiery/peppery properties, it helps kick out colds and fevers like no other. Common remedy these days anywhere is ginger tea with honey and lemon. Ginger can be used to help empower/boost a working and protection. It is best used as a secondary herb for a working to empower the main intent.
Korean perilla (Perilla frutescens), deulkkae/kkaenip. Kkaenip is a type of plant that is part of the mint family. It is delicious to use as a wrap instead of lettuce, or in addition to lettuce for ssam. It's helpful against the common cold, asthma, and gastrointestinal issues. It can be used to bring prosperity, cleansing and purification. The red-tinted types are good for banishment as well.
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