4/15/2023

Japanese pharmacist explains how to choose eye drops and their ingredients

Your eyes are tired... A pharmacist explains how to choose the right eye drops for each symptom. A pharmacist explains how to choose the right eye drops for each symptom!


Hello, I am a pharmacist. I am not sure what eye drops you recommend for tired eyes and eyestrain, and I am not sure what to choose. Our pharmacist will tell you the answer.

In our modern life where we often overuse our eyes due to computers and smartphones, we may have experienced that our eyes get tired in the evening and we cannot concentrate.

It is difficult to know what kind of eye drops to choose, since there are various symptoms such as redness, blurred vision, dryness, and other symptoms of fatigue.

In this article, we will discuss the key points to consider when choosing effective products.

Eye fatigue is caused by fatigue of the muscles around the eyes and the muscles that adjust the focus when looking at an object. When you stare at a computer or smartphone screen for a long time or continue to do detailed work, the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for adjusting the focus, becomes tired and fatigued.

Other symptoms such as presbyopia and autonomic nervous system disorders can also cause eye fatigue. Symptoms such as pain in the back of the eyes, bloodshot eyes, and blurred vision can occur, and if they become severe, they can lead to headaches, stiff shoulders, nausea, etc. To prevent these symptoms, it is recommended to take frequent rests, distance yourself from screens such as computers, and increase your awareness.

To prevent these symptoms, it is effective to take frequent rests, to keep a short distance from computer screens, and to consciously increase the number of times you blink your eyes, but eye drops are even more effective.

To prevent these symptoms, it is effective consciously increase the number of times you blink your eyes, but eye drops are even more effective.

Here are three things to check when choosing eye drops.

The first one. We will introduce specific ingredients to check for fatigue and eyestrain and the types of ingredients to counteract such fatigue and eyestrain, so that you can choose eye drops that contain these ingredients when selecting eye drops.


Vasoconstrictors

First, be careful with vasoconstrictors. They should only be used in emergency situations. By constricting blood vessels, vasoconstrictors can suppress conjunctival redness.

However, this does not mean that suppressing bloodshot does not also mean that eye fatigue will improve. It may temporarily remove the redness, but when the effect wears off, the redness may conversely become worse.


Improves the ability to regulate the focus of the eye

An ingredient that improves the ability of the eye to regulate focus is neostigmine methyl sulfate. It is effective in improving the ciliary muscle function that regulates the focus of the eye.

For those who suffer from difficulty in focusing, etc., we recommend products containing these ingredients.

An ingredient that improves the ability of the eye to regulate focus is neostigmine methyl sulfate. It is effective in improving the ciliary muscle function that regulates the focus of the eye.

Eye moisture

You want to keep your eyes moist and relieve fatigue. If so, choose a product that contains vitamin a.

By keeping your eyes moist, you can alleviate eye fatigue and eyestrain. Specific ingredients include vitamin a and ethyl sodium chondroitin sulfate, which retains tears. It is best to choose a product that contains these ingredients.


Next, you should also choose those that contain anti-inflammatory and nourishing ingredients. Ingredients such as dipotassium glycyrrhizate and epsilon-aminocaproic acid can be expected to reduce inflammation and hyperemia.

Also, there are ingredients that nourish the eyes: taurine, vitamin b 6, and vitamin b 12. These ingredients help to improve nerve function when the eyes are fatigued and help to recover from eye fatigue, so it is important to keep them in mind as well.

Also, there are ingredients that nourish the eyes: taurine, vitamin b 6, and vitamin b 12. These ingredients help to improve nerve function when the eyes are fatigued and help to recover from eye fatigue, so it is important to keep them in mind as well.


Now let's also check if the second point contacts are ok

When you are using contact lenses, your eyes are often quite tired. To ensure that preservatives and other ingredients in eye drops do not affect them, it is necessary to check if the drops can be used while using contact lenses.

The package or description section of the product will state whether or not it is compatible with contact lenses, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Some products may not be compatible with hard contact lenses, so please be careful.


Third: Check the comfort of the drops

There are various types of eye drops with strong or mild coolness, so if you want to refresh your eyes, we recommend you choose cool-type eye drops with strong coolness.

If you are not fond of such things, there are mild types, so choose whichever you prefer.


I will now tell you about some over-the-counter eye drops that I recommend. The first is Rohto Premium.

These eye drops contain essential oil in the solution, which gives a refreshing and refreshing sensation to the eyes. Allantoin, vitamin b6, panthenol, and 12 other active ingredients are used in these eye drops to treat modern-day eye problems such as fatigue and blurred vision.

Another feature of these eye drops is that they contain a high concentration of ingredients that improve the function of focusing.


What did you think? Did you find any hints for choosing eye drops that are effective for your own tired eyes?

It is important to take care of your eyes on a daily basis with eye drops that suit you. If you feel discomfort or fatigue in your eyes, try using over-the-counter eye drops as soon as possible.


If you keep the following tips in mind on a daily basis, you can minimize the accumulation of fatigue in your eyes

There are seven points in all.

The first is to rest your eyes for about 10 minutes for every hour of work.

Second, do eye exercises and massages.

Third, move your body moderately to relieve physical and mental tension as well.

4, Create an environment in which computer work does not cause fatigue. This means taking measures against blue light and so on.

5, It is also a good idea to have regular eye examinations.

6, Make sure to eat a regular diet.

7, Get plenty of rest.

By keeping these things in mind, you will be able to improve or alleviate fatigue.

*Since it is translated by the author of the article, it may differ from what is said in the video.


[Free Shipping] ROHTO VRohto Premium For Eyestrain (15mL) x 3set From Japan $103.7



Benefits and effects

Eye fatigue
Conjunctival hyperemia
Blurred vision (e.g. when there is a lot of eye discharge)
Itchy eyes
Prevention of eye diseases (after swimming, when dust or sweat gets into the eyes, etc.)
Blepharitis (sores on the eyelids)
Blepharitis (sores on the eyelids) ・Ocular inflammation caused by ultraviolet rays or other rays (e.g., snow blindness)
Discomfort when wearing hard contact lenses.

Usage Dosage

1 to 2 drops, 5 to 6 times a day.
Precautions related to dosage and usage
(1) Excessive use may cause abnormal glare or even bloodshot eyes.
(2) Children should be supervised by a parent or guardian when using this product.
(3) Do not allow the tip of the container to touch the eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes. (It may cause contamination or foreign matter (eye mucus, dust, etc.)) Do not use if the product is cloudy.
(4) Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses.
(5) Use only for eye drops.

Ingredients 

Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride ... 0.05%.
Neostigmine methyl sulfate ... 0.005%.
Allantoin ... 0.1
Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate ... 0.1
Zinc sulfate hydrate ... 0.1
Chlorpheniramine maleate ... 0.03
Vitamin B6 ... 0.05%.
Panthenol ... 0.1%.
d-alpha-tocopherol acetate ... 0.025%
Potassium L-Aspartate...1%.
Taurine...0.5%.
Sodium chondroitin sulfate ... 0.25%.
Boric acid, borax, L-menthol, dL-camphor, geraniol, eucalyptus oil, sodium edetate, sodium chloride, polysorbate 80, polyoxyethylene hardened castor oil, chlorobutanol, benzalkonium chloride, and pH adjuster are included as additives.

Shipping

Due to the pandemic, delivery of "Expedited or Standard Shippings" prioritized, so this is recommended.There is no additional shipping cost for each additional item, so it's a good idea to buy more than one item.

At the time of shipment, we will ship products with an expiration date of 12 months or more.
This package will be shipped from KAWASAKI PORT, JAPAN Post, DHL etc. - Tracking number will be  provided.
*Under normal circumstances, it takes 10-14 days by air, and if countries stop accepting air shipments due to pandemics or disasters, it can take several months by sea.

Please ensure that the telephone number is correct as well as the address, as an incomplete telephone number may result in an error at the post office.

Thank you for seeing to KUSURI Japan!!

Feel free to contact us at any time for more information about our products or about our stock numbers.

4/05/2023

Herbal medicine for cough, ryukaksan. 150 years history of the founding company and development

 Powder that works tremendously well for throats


Reimu: "Hello, I'm slowly Reimu"

Marisa: "I'm Marisa"

Reimu: "Let's do our best to explain today, shall we?"

Marisa: "Yeah, ah. I can't wait to play the game. I'm going to pretend to be temporarily ill. I feel like I have a bad throat today"

Reimu: "Oh, are you okay?"

Marisa: "Ah, but I'm going to take the rest of the day off just to be safe"

Reimu: "Do you want to use this?"

Marisa: "What is this white powder?"

Reimu: "I feel so much better when I use this. It makes my sore throat go away in one shot" 

Marisa: "What a suspicious looking medicine! I have to call the police"

Reimu: "What are you misunderstanding?" This is Ryukakusan"

Marisa: "What, Ryukakusan is that company that makes throat medicine and throat lozenges?"

Reimu: "That's right. Ryukakusan is actually a powdered medicine that has become a hot topic on Twitter because of its amazing effectiveness"

Marisa: "Wow, I didn't know there was such a thing as powder medicine"

Reimu: "So this time, I will explain about Ryukakusan"

Then, please take your time

Marisa: "Ha! I was supposed to take a temporary sick day off! "


Drink it (sore throat), it'll fly away!

Reimu: "First, I'll start with this white powder that everyone is wondering about. This is an antitussive expectorant, a powder sold as Ryukakusan"

Marisa: "antitussive expectorant?"

Reimu: "Simply put, it is a throat medicine that quiets cough and makes it easier to spit out phlegm. The current Ryukakusan throat drops and throat lozenges are also based on this powder"

Marisa: "Wow, I didn't know that"

Reimu: "This product, which is familiar to the older generation, has actually become a hot topic on twitter just recently. It all started with a tweet posted by Nami Kishida, a writer.


I was licking Ryukakusan throat lozenges because I was losing my voice, but it didn't help, and when I was fretting, my editor, who belongs to a chorus group, said to me, "Powder! Ryukakusan is a powder! I drank it, and it made me recover quickly and completely!


Marisa: "One shot and last time, the effect is too much"


In response to this tweet, I didn't know there was a powder. A lot of internet users were surprised to see it for the first time and said the effect was too great. This tweet had 150,000 likes as of November 2021"

I guess the rarity and effectiveness of powdered Ryukakusan got people talking. Because it clearly works, this one. However, some of the comments said, "I've never taken powder Ryukakusan, but I've heard of it. I have never taken it myself, but I found it at my grandma's house. I never drank powder Ryukakusan, but I found it at my grandma's house," said some who knew powder Ryukakusan.


Marisa: "Well, I guess it's a generational difference. For us, the younger generation, Ryukakusan has a strong image of throat lozenges.

Reimu: "Yes, that's right. Ryukakusan Direct and throat lozenges have been available since 1995, so many people in their fifties and older are familiar with the powder"


Ryukakusan is also a long-established pharmaceutical company with a long history. Ryukakusan was established as a joint-stock company in 1928, which is 93 years ago.

Well, its predecessor Yakushiten was founded in 1871.

Incidentally, it is said that the prototype of Ryukakusan itself was created even earlier, from 1818 to 1829 during the Bunsei Era (1818-1829).

The person who is said to have created the prototype of Ryukakusan is Genen Fujii. He was a doctor in the Satake clan, a samurai family of the Akita domain, and Ryukakusan was originally created as a domain medicine for the Satake clan. Ryukakusan was born in Akita.

The Satake family of Akita is associated with the well-known warlord Yoshishige Satake.

This Ryukakusan was improved with each passing generation. Genshin, the second generation of the Fujii family, was well versed in Rangaku, or Dutch studies. He added Western herbal medicines to the Ryukakusan made by Gen'en I to further improve its efficacy as a throat medicine.

Incidentally, it is said that the prototype of Ryukakusan itself was created even earlier, from 1818 to 1829 during the Bunsei Era (1818-1829).

In the early Meiji period (1868), Yoshitaka Satake, the feudal lord at that time, was suffering from asthma. Therefore, the third Shoteiji went to Nagasaki to study Dutch studies. He followed the same path as the second generation.

After returning to the Satake domain, Shoteiji improved the domain medicine Ryukakusan as a prescription medicine for asthma.


Reimu: "The three materials used in the formula at this time were ryukotsu, ryunou, and rokkakusou."

Marisa: "Suddenly, the materials are like Mon-Han."


Well, it is said that it is purely a legend.

Are dinosaur bones used in modern Ryukakusan as well?" Unfortunately, these materials are rarely used in today's Ryukakusan. It looks like they restructured it except for the competent ones when they revised the formulation.

The foundation of the Ryukakusan formula improved by Shoteiji is still firmly in place today. After the Meiji Restoration, the prefecture was abolished and Ryukakusan, which had been a domain medicine, was given to the Fujii family. With this, the Fujii family parted ways with the Satake family.

However, the Fujii family continued to be together with the Satake family when they came to Tokyo, and when they opened a drug branch in Edo, they set up store near the Satake family's Edo mansion.

It suggests that they had a relationship even after he was no longer the clan doctor. Perhaps he had a little help in opening a store in Edo.

The signature product of this Yakushi-Ten was, of course, Ryukakusan. It seems they sold it in a paulownia box back then. Naturally, this highly effective throat medicine from the Tohoku region was well received by the people of Edo.

If they heard that it was a clan medicine that had been ordered by a samurai family, that would be something everyone would want.

However, while the product was selling like hotcakes, Ryukakusan was not lacking in improvements.

Next on the list is Tokusaburo, the fourth generation of the Fujii family. He studied pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine of Tokyo Imperial University.

How great is this school? Incidentally, Tokyo Imperial University was the predecessor of today's University of Tokyo.

Tokusaburo, who studied at what is now the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine, joined the Tokyo Sanitary Testing Laboratory after graduation. That testing laboratory is also known today as the National Institute of Health Sciences.

It was here that Tokusaburo learned formulation techniques from German-born engineer Rumbold. Eventually, Tokusaburo further improved Ryukakusan by using the technology of processing medicines into a fine powder.

Suiyaku is a powder medicine that can be taken directly down the throat instead of being poured down with water, and the characteristics of Suiyaku and Ryukakusan, a throat medicine, are a perfect match.

Thus, in the 26th year of Meiji (1893), Tokusaburo successfully created Ryukakusan to be taken without water.

Incidentally, the current powdered Ryukakusan is also supposed to be taken without water or obturator. 120 years ago, Ryukakusan was already in its perfected form.

The main ingredients of Ryukakusan, such as Kikyo, Senega, Anjin, and Kanzo, have been used since that time. Ryukkotsu, Ryuunou, and Rokkakusou have fallen out of the list, but other herbal medicines are still being used today.

Upon the completion of Ryukakusan, the fourth Tokusaburo opened Fujii Tokusaburo Shoten and expanded his sales channels throughout Japan. In the same year, the third generation Shoteiji passed away.

Despite his misfortunes, Tokusaburo launched a groundbreaking marketing campaign to promote Ryukakusan to the public.

That is newspaper ads and street advertising. It was rare for medicine stores to advertise in newspapers and other forms of publicity at that time. They were good at business as well as making good medicines.

Despite his misfortunes, Tokusaburo launched a groundbreaking marketing campaign to promote Ryukakusan to the public.  That is newspaper ads and street advertising.

Later, despite some troubles, such as moving the factory to Osaka due to the Great Kanto Earthquake, the company was established as a joint-stock company in 1928. After the Second World War, the company name was changed to Ryukakusan for its signature product in 1964, and gradually the foundation of the present company was laid. It was quite recently that the company itself was renamed Ryukakusan.

At this time, Ryukakusan began exporting products to Asian countries and developing new products such as lozenges and tablets. However, six years later, in 1970, sales of the company's signature product, Ryukakusan, began to decline.

The reason for this is not known. However, it has been pointed out since that time that powdered Ryukakusan was difficult to swallow. It was difficult for children and young people to swallow, not to mention the older generation who were accustomed to taking powdered medicine.

The 8th president, Ryutaro Fujii, was entrusted with the task of rebuilding the company. After becoming president in 1995, he pushed for the development of new products by leveraging the strength of the Ryukakusan brand.


With the launch of new products, business performance has improved by ○○ times

The new products that helped to revive Ryukakusan were Ryukakusan direct, throat lozenges, and Rakuraku Dosage Jelly.

Let me explain one by one. First, Ryukakusan Direct is a throat medicine classified as a third drug. Its greatest feature is that it is packaged in individual doses.

Originally, the powder was directly packed in a container. By packaging the powder individually, the company succeeded in increasing portability and shelf life. In addition, the packaging also adopted a stylish design, which is rare for pharmaceutical products.

It is a cool design that catches the eye when seen on the sales floor of a drugstore.

Of course, because it is from Ryukakusan, its effectiveness is well documented, and it also inherits the advantages of powdered medicines, which can be taken without water. For those who do not like powdered medicine, a lozenge type is also available. While inheriting the good points of the original Ryukakusan, the company has evolved it to meet the needs of the times.


Next is throat lozenges. Many people may think of this when they think of Ryukakusan. Like the lozenges mentioned earlier, these lozenges were developed for people who do not like powdered medicine.

It is not a drug, so it does not contain herbal medicine such as Kikyo, but it does contain an herbal powder developed by Ryukakusan.

As one would expect from a throat lozenge, it is not as effective as a medicine, but licking it eases one's throat. It also tastes delicious. The unique herbal smell is indescribable.

However, when you have a sore throat, do not try to get over it with throat lozenges alone, but rely on Ryukakusan Direct or powdered medicine as mentioned earlier.

It is better to lick the throat lozenges only as throat care.


Next is Rakuraku Dosage Jelly. Even if you have never used it, you probably know its name.

This is a dose-support jelly that makes it easier to take medicines and supplements. It was developed by Atsuko Fukui, who has been creating hit products in the Planning and Development Department of Ryukakusan for many years. She is the general manager of the executive and queen development division, which oversees various departments, and is a key player who has made a great contribution to Ryukakusan. Incidentally, Fukui was involved in the development of Ryukakusan Direct and the throat lozenges introduced earlier. It seems that  Fukui-san was involved in the development of Ryukakusan Direct and throat lozenges, Ryukakusan's main products today.


One day, Fukui-san and the president, Mr. Fujii, went to a nursing care facility to conduct research on the development of RakuRaku Dosing Jelly. There, they saw elderly residents eating porridge with medicine poured over it.

I used to take that medicine. That bitter taste of the medicine combined with the taste of the porridge doesn't make me feel very good. 

Especially for those who have chronic diseases, the amount of medicine they take increases considerably. The elderly people themselves had to do their best just to take the medicines, and the nursing staff had quite a heavy workload. It was a desperate measure to get the residents to take their medicines properly while performing their other jobs, I guess.

One day, Fukui-san and the president, Mr. Fujii, went to a nursing care facility to conduct research on the development of RakuRaku Dosing Jelly.

Surprised by this situation, Fukui-san immediately began developing a jelly to assist in taking medication. The product, Rakuraku Dosage Jelly, was put on the market in 1998.


The lemon-flavored jelly encases the medicine so that it can be swallowed without tasting the medicine or feeling powdery. Of course, it is made of ingredients that do not affect the action of the medicine. This means that not only tablets but also powdered medicines are now possible.

However, the type of medicine that acts directly on the throat, such as Ryukakusan, is not allowed.

In 2001, "Okusuri Nometa Ne" for children was also released. This product was developed to encourage children who are not good at taking medicine to take it, and parents said it made it easier for them to take the medicine. I can't give them medicine without it anymore. I also take them with this.

It has been well received.

These new products became a hit one after another, and the company's sales increased more than fivefold.

In the 2010s, Chinese tourists began to buy Japanese products in large quantities, and Ryukakusan, which was originally called a new medicine because of its strong popularity in Asian countries, sold like hotcakes.

Exports to Asian countries, where the company had been making inroads for some time, came into effect here.

In China, where air pollution caused by pm2.5 was particularly serious, demand for Ryukakusan, a Japanese throat medicine, was rising. Supply and demand were not keeping pace.

Against this backdrop, Ryukakusan succeeded in getting out of its slump.

It must have been successful in introducing new products in response to the wave of the times while maintaining the quality of its medicines.

Reimu: "I would like to ask you to respond with sincerity so as not to embarrass Ryukakusan, which has been passed down from generation to generation since the first generation of Fujii Genen"

Marisa: "I guess so"


Reimu: "By the way, Marisa, is your throat okay?" I made you talk a lot"

Marisa: "Throat?"

Reimu "You know, said throat was bad just now"

Marisa: "ah! That was totally fine now. It's not like I was faking being sick or anything!"

By the way, Marisa, is your throat okay?" I made you talk a lot


*Since it is translated by the author of the article, it may differ from what is said in the video.

[Free shipping] RYUKAKUSAN Direct Peach x1 Mint x1 Mango x1 Cough hoarse voice Japan $74.1
[Free shipping] RYUKAKUSAN Direct Peach x1 Mint x1 Mango x1 Cough hoarse voice Japan $74.1


Product Description

Roughness and discomfort in the throat
Gentle herbal medicine acts directly on the throat and restores the function of a weakened throat.
It relieves throat problems caused by thirst and protects the health of the throat.
It works well when used for throat discomfort, such as sore throat, hoarse voice, coughing, and belching.
Ideal as a daily throat medicine for people who take care of their throats.
Granule packaged in a stick that can be taken without water, so it is a throat medicine that "moistens the throat directly without water" at any time and any place. The minty taste is refreshing and throat-quenching.

Indications

Cough, sigh, hoarse voice due to throat inflammation
Rough throat
Discomfort in the throat
Sore throat
swelling of the throat

Dosage and administration


Take without water. Allow at least 2 hours between doses.
Ages 15 and older: 1 packet 6 times a day
11 to under 15 years old: 2/3 packet 6 times a day
7 to 11 years old: 1/2 packet 6 times a day
3 to 7 years old: 1/3 packet 6 times a day
Under 3 years old: Do not take

Precautions related to dosage and administration
(1) Adhere strictly to the dosage and administration.
(2) Children should take this product under the guidance and supervision of a parent or guardian.
(3) Do not chew or swallow.

Ingredients and Dosage 6 packets (adult daily dose) contains...
Kikyou powder 84.0mg
Senega 4.2mg
Ganzo powder 102.0mg
Kyonin 15.0mg
Ginseng powder 84.0mg
Ascenyak powder 8.4mg
Additives: Valerian starch, Mg metasilicate aluminate, erythritol, sodium fumarate, l-menthol, flavor, red #102

Shipping

Due to the pandemic, delivery of "Expedited or Standard Shippings" prioritized, so this is recommended.There is no additional shipping cost for each additional item, so it's a good idea to buy more than one item.

At the time of shipment, we will ship products with an expiration date of 12 months or more.
This package will be shipped from KAWASAKI PORT, JAPAN Post, DHL etc. - Tracking number will be  provided.
*Under normal circumstances, it takes 10-14 days by air, and if countries stop accepting air shipments due to pandemics or disasters, it can take several months by sea.

Please ensure that the telephone number is correct as well as the address, as an incomplete telephone number may result in an error at the post office.

Thank you for seeing to KUSURI Japan!!

Feel free to contact us at any time for more information about our products or about our stock numbers.

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