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Musk (She Xiang)
⚠ Protected species. Trade in musk from the musk deer is illegal under international law (CITES), and the animal is endangered. We do not sell, source, or recommend it. This page remains only as a record of the tradition; modern practice uses plant substitutes.
麝香
Musk (Shexiang)
Pharmaceutical Name: Moschus
Zoological Name: 1. Moschus berezovskii Flerov. 2. Moschus sifanicus Przewalski. 3. Moschus moschiferus L.
Common Name: Musk
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used: The secretion is obtained from the naval musk gland of male musk deers. It is dried in the shade in winter or spring.
Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm
Meridians: Heart and spleen
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To open the orifices and clear the mind.
2. To invigorate the blood and disperse nodules.
3. To stop pain.
4. To expel placenta labor.
Indications:
1. Unconsciousness due to high fever. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Ox gallstone (Niuhuang) and Rhinoceros horn (Xijiao) in the formula Zhibao Dan.
2. Unconsciousness due to windstroke. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Storax (Suhexiang) and Cloves (Dingxiang) in the formula Suhexiang Wan.
3. Carbuncles, furuncles and swellings. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Frankincense (Ruxiang), Myrrh (Moyao) and Realgar (Xionghuang) in the formula Xingxiao Wan.
4. Sudden severe pain in the chest and abdominal region. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Costus root (Muxiang), Peach seed (Taoren) and herbs that invigorate the blood in a formula such as Shexiang Tang.
5. Swelling and pain caused by external injuries. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Sappan wood (Sumu), Myrrh (Moyao) and Safflower (Honghua) in the formula Bali San.
6. Dead fetus or placenta failing to be expelled. Musk (Shexiang) is used with Cinnamon bark (Rougui) in the formula Xiang Gui San.
Dosage: 0.06-0.1 g (in pill form)
Cautions & Contraindications: The substance must not be cooked. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Traditional use is not proof of safety or effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any herb if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medicine.
