Self-Medication Techniques Learned from Ieyasu Tokugawa for Pharmacists

"Do you not see this inro (medicine case)!"
This is a famous line from Mito Komon that everyone knows.
The inro was originally a container for seals and vermilion ink, but by the Edo period, it came to be used as a portable medicine case, worn at the waist containing pills or powdered medicine. It was, so to speak, an ancient "portable medicine chest" to prepare for sudden illness while traveling.

On the other hand, from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, there were also portable preserved foods in pill form, such as "hyorogan" (soldier's ration pills). While medicinal pills and hyorogan as food are not the same thing, it is interesting that people in the past had the wisdom to carry medicine and food in small, portable forms to be used when needed.

In modern terms, it might be somewhat similar to the feeling of carrying self-care items or supplements to protect one's own health.

What is Self-Medication?
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare introduces self-medication based on the WHO definition as follows:
"Taking responsibility for one's own health and treating minor physical ailments oneself."
In what is now called the "100-year life era," in order to extend healthy life expectancy, it is important to first notice changes in your own body and to be conscious of managing your health on a daily basis.
Of course, this does not mean trying to cure everything yourself. Dealing appropriately with minor ailments and consulting experts such as medical institutions or pharmacists when necessary is also an important part of self-medication.


Ieyasu Tokugawa's Self-MedicationIeyasu Tokugawa, who is enshrined at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, is also known as a person who had a deep interest in medicine and health management.
Ieyasu loved herbalism and had an interest in medicinal herbs and medicine. Furthermore, it is said that he formulated his own medicines. At the Kunozan Toshogu Museum, items such as the mortar and pestle Ieyasu is said to have used to prepare medicine, and glass jars containing his homemade medicine, are carefully preserved.
He also loved falconry and kept physically active until his later years. Falconry is thought to have had aspects of not only training as a warrior but also physical exercise and recreation.
Ieyasu is also said to have been mindful of his diet.
Looking at it this way, Ieyasu, who did not rely solely on medicine but also paid attention to diet, exercise, and his own physical condition, could be seen in modern terms as someone who was "conscious of health management."

When I visited Nikko in the summer three years ago, I extended my trip to the "Okumiya" (Inner Shrine) located at the very back of the Toshogu Shrine grounds.

The stone steps leading there number 207.
It is the perfect barometer to test the condition of your legs and lower back on a daily basis.
Seeing the children climbing while out of breath, I remember feeling a little relieved, thinking,
"I'm not the only one who is tired."

Delicious Things in Nikko

A trip to Nikko also offers delicious things you want to taste after moving your body.
Nikko Yuba (Tofu Skin)

One of Nikko's specialties is "yuba."Yuba is a traditional food made from soybeans. Soybeans contain high-quality protein as well as components such as lecithin, saponin, and soybean isoflavones.
It is a good idea to enjoy fresh yuba unique to the area or dried yuba that can be taken home as a souvenir as part of the pleasure of your trip.

Dairy Products

Tochigi Prefecture also has a thriving dairy industry, ranking second in the country for raw milk production.Drinking a glass of cold milk is exceptionally delicious when you are traveling.
There is also an abundance of sweets made with dairy products, such as pudding, cake, and yogurt.
After climbing the stone steps and walking well, enjoy something delicious as a reward for your trip.
Health management cannot be sustained if it is only about self-denial.

"If you move, enjoy yourself."
Such a balance might also be important for healthy daily life.

While reflecting on the historic land of Nikko, why not take some time to learn from the wisdom of people in the past and face your own body?

A Monologue
Among my acquaintances, there is a researcher who served as a curator for the Owari Tokugawa family's collection of tools.
They must know many things about the tools and history passed down in the Tokugawa family that I do not know.
I would love to have a thorough lecture from them sometime.