A Study on the Development of a Tea Therapy Program Using Dendropanax morbifera Tea: Focusing on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality Improvement

This study explored the development of a tea therapy program using Dendropanax morbifera (Hwangchil tree), a medicinal plant native to the southern coastal regions of Korea, with the aim of promoting mental health in adult women. The bioactive components of Hwangchil tea (e.g., GABA, flavonoids, saponins) are known to exhibit anti-stress, antioxidant, and neuro-calming effects. Based on these properties, a six-session program was designed, consisting of tea drinking, tea meditation, nature walks, emotional sharing, and sleep routine management. In addition, preparation methods, dosage, and safety protocols, as well as contraindications, were specified, and standardized assessment tools such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were introduced for effect verification. Although this study is limited as a literature-based exploratory design, its theoretical validity and applicability were reinforced by previous findings from forest therapy, tea meditation practices, and experimental or clinical studies on D. morbifera. Future research should include pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pre–post comparative designs to empirically verify program effectiveness. Furthermore, by linking the program with local governments and forest welfare centers, and by promoting its industrial and policy integration, Hwangchil tea therapy could contribute to both community mental health promotion and the development of the functional tea industry.