The Origins of Myrrh and Its Medicinal Uses
Some drugs get their names from unexpected places. The word mummy is written in kanji as kinoi, and its origin comes from the medicinal myrrh. In ancient Egypt, this medicine was used as a fragrance and preservative during mummification. In ancient times, there seems to have been confusion about this word, and an old book says, ”Myrrh is considered to be the same thing as Kinoi, but it is a completely different thing, and it is a mistake that comes from the fact that the word ”Mytha'' is the same thing.
Myrrh in Ancient Egypt: A Multi-Purpose Substance
Myrrh, along with frankincense, which is mentioned in the Bible, was also used in ancient Egypt as a flavoring agent for perfumes and hair oil. In India's Ayurveda, it is used as a medicine to promote menstruation, and in China, it is used to treat bruises, sprains, and injuries. Myrrh is an oily glue-like fat exuded from the bark of the myrrh tree, which is a shrub in the family Citrusaceae and is mainly produced in East Africa and Somalia. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, and when used externally, it has been shown to cure burns, cuts, swollen gums, and sore throats, as well as suppressing many fungi.
In Japan, myrrh is not used very often, but recently it has been used as a tincture to treat stomatitis and gingivitis, and medicated toothpastes for gingivitis and periodontal disease sold at drugstores contain myrrh. Some products are included.
Drugs Named After Unusual Animal Behavior: The Case of Epimedium
In addition to myrrh, there are other drugs that are named after abnormal animal behavior. Known since ancient times as a virile and aphrodisiac, it is said that the name comes from the fact that when male sheep eat this grass, they chase after females, making them lewd. The ingredient epimedin increases the secretion of sex hormones, stimulates the nerves, and has an aphrodisiac effect.
In Japan, the name Epimedium comes from the shape of the flower, which resembles an anchor, and it is included in a wide range of products sold at pharmacies, including tonics to increase physical strength and energy, drinks, and medicinal liquors.
Tai-Eki: The Medicinal Use of Pit Viper Products in Japan and Korea
Some drugs are named after animal shapes. The internal organs of a pit viper are removed, the skin is peeled off, and the product that is left to dry for a long time is called tai-eki.
It is the original name for the snake snake in the vulgar book ”Meishin Bepputsuru'', whose bile and flesh are listed, and the snake is a poisonous snake, and the name ``anti-nose'' comes from the fact that its nose is curved back.
In Japan, Shiga Prefecture and southern Kyushu are famous for producing it, but now it seems that most of it is produced in Korea. In ancient times, the belly was soaked in sake to make belly snake wine, and in oil to be used as snake oil. Black-grilled pit vipers are also famous. Nowadays, it is often used as a tonic, and some nutritional supplements and drinks include it as a tincture. If you drink it knowing that it contains Epimedium and Hampi, the effect may be doubled.
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