Because "Empress Ki" has 50 episodes, there's plenty of time for the plot to dwell on some interesting aspects of Joseon-era medicine and beauty treatments.

For example, what is that secret incense that the Empress Dowager has given Empress Tanshiri to prevent her from bearing the Emperor's child? It's not exactly magic.

The incense was probably Indian Frankincense or boswellia, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. Although it is not now considered an effective method of family planning, women who wanted children have traditionally been advised to avoid it.

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