Bellflower (aka balloon flower) is still a bit foreign ingredient in Western countries, but in Korea it is a popular Hanbang ingredient and has been commonly used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Bellflower has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and is often used to relieve the symptoms of the flu. For example, when people in Korea have flu symptoms, like coughing and chest pain, they consume bellflower in the form of tea with a hint of pear juice. Also tasty dishes can be made from its roots, such as doraji-muchim (도라지무침), which is a fiery bellflower root dish. The effects of bellflower on neurology have also been studied, and in some studies, bellflower has been found to have positive effects on Alzheimer's disease. 

The benefits of bellflower have been known in Asia for a very long time, but its use in cosmetics is more recent. Let's dive into bellflowers for a moment and learn about its benefits!

The benefits of bellflower

• Bellflower, or Platycodon grandiflorus, a perennial plant that blooms in summer and autumn, is very resistant and easy to grow, making it an excellent utility plant
• An Asian superfood full of ingredients that soothe the body and mind
• Used in the treatment of various diseases, such as the treatment of flu, asthma and stomach problems
• Consists of e.g. of saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids and fatty acids such as linoleic acid
  • these are all well-used ingredients in cosmetics that support the well-being of the skin
• Bellflower in skincare is above all anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredient
  • more and more studies on its effects have been published in recent years, so more of its benefits will likely be revealed in the near future
  • one promising property that has been studied is bellflower's effect on melanosynthesis, which could make it a potential ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation
• It's also used in dyeing, to bring a beautiful purple shade to food, drinks and other products 

Products with bellflower

The bellflower root is the main star of hwarang' Bellflower Cleansing Balm. The balm's beautiful light purple shade comes from Guaiazulene, which is also a calming ingredient. You can also find bellflower in other hwarang' products, such as their pimple patches. Hwarang's Night Patch has also been inspired by the bellflower in its design 💜 The bellflower is an excellent ingredient for pimple patches because it soothes inflammation and can also help heal the mark left by the pimple (our enemy, the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH).

Posted on October 3, 2024.

Sources:

Gardenia 2024. Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower). Referenced 2.10.024. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/platycodon-grandiflorus

Ji, M. Y., Bo, A., Yang, M., Xu, J. F., Jiang, L. L., Zhou, B. C., & Li, M. H. (2020). The Pharmacological Effects and Health Benefits of Platycodon grandiflorus-A Medicine Food Homology Species. Referenced 2.10.2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7073691/

Ji, King, Kim, Kim, Jang. 7.8.2024. Platycodon grandiflorum exhibits anti-neuroinflammatory potential against beta-amyloid-induced toxicity in microglia cells. Referenced 2.10.2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1427121/full

Zhang, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Bai. 8.7.2024. Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and product application of Platycodon grandiflorum: A review. Referenced 2.10.2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2024.01.005

Xintong Ma, Shuai Shao, Fengqin Xiao, Hongyin Zhang, Rongrong Zhang, Miao Wang, Guangzhe Li, Mingming Yan. 15.3.2021. Platycodon grandiflorum extract: chemical composition and whitening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Referenced 2.10.2024. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0ra09443a