noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
medicinal use; for pharmaceutical purposes
Refers to the use of a substance as medicine or in medical treatment. Often appears in compounds like 薬用石鹸 (medicated soap) or 薬用酒 (medicinal liquor).
This herb has medicinal properties.
This herb has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
Cosmetics containing medicinal ingredients are popular.
This plant has long been used for medicinal purposes.
食用 labels something as intended for eating, the opposite purpose of 薬用, which labels something as intended for medicinal use.
医薬品 names an actual pharmaceutical product, whereas 薬用 describes a purpose or quality (being medicinal), not the product itself.
Compound of 薬 (medicine) and 用 (use, purpose). The reading やくよう is the standard on'yomi combination.