Moschus
Aliases：Yí Xiāng (Leftover Fragrance); Qí Xiāng (Navel Fragrance); Xīn Jié Xiāng (Heart-Knot Fragrance); Dāng Mén Zǐ (At-the-Gate Seed); Shēng Xiāng (Raw Fragrance); Shè Qí Xiāng (Musk Navel Fragrance); Sì Wèi Chòu (Four-Taste Odor); Yuán Cùn Xiāng (Original Inch Fragrance); Chòu Zǐ (Odorous Seed); Là Zǐ (Wax Seed); Xiāng Qí Zǐ (Fragrant Navel Seed); Cùn Xiāng (Inch Fragrance); Yuán Cùn (Original Inch).
She Xiang (Musk) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried secretion from the scent sac of mature male musk deer, including Moschus berezovskii Flerov, M. sifanicus Przewalski, or M. moschiferus Linnaeus, which belong to the family Cervidae. Wild musk deer are mostly hunted from winter to the following spring. After capture, the scent sac is removed and dried in the shade, commonly known as “Mao Ke She Xiang” (raw musk in the shell). When the sac is opened and the shell removed, the contents are known as “She Xiang Ren” (musk grains or pure musk).
Efficacy & Actions
Opens the orifices and awakens the mind, invigorates blood and unblocks meridians, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Indications
Used for unconsciousness due to blockage patterns (including febrile disease with loss of consciousness, stroke with phlegm syncope, sudden collapse due to qi stagnation, and coma due to pathogenic attack); carbuncles, sores, and toxic swellings; scrofula and phlegm nodules; sore throat; amenorrhea due to blood stasis; abdominal masses; acute pain in the chest and abdomen; headache; traumatic injuries; wind-cold-damp bi syndrome (arthralgia); dystocia (difficult labor); stillbirth; and retained placenta.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory Effect: Musk exhibits certain anti-inflammatory effects, which are similar to those of hydrocortisone. Cardiotonic Effect: It can stimulate the heart, increase the amplitude of cardiac contraction, and enhance myocardial function. Antitumor Effect: Musk mainly contains macrocyclic ketones, pyridine alkaloids, steroids, polypeptides and proteins, and other chemical components, with pharmacological research primarily focusing on antitumor activity. Neuroprotective Effect: It exhibits neuroprotective effects. Antioxidant Effect: It exhibits antioxidant effects. Effect on the Uterus: Musk has a significant excitatory effect on the uterus, enhancing uterine contractions, particularly on the pregnant uterus in vivo.
Ingredients
Oral Administration: Prepared in pills or powder, 0.03–0.1g per dose. Generally not used in decoctions. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder for sprinkling, mixing and applying, or incorporated into plasters for application. Caution: This herb is pungent, aromatic, and highly penetrating. It may consume qi, damage yang, deplete blood, and harm yin. Use with caution in deficiency patterns; contraindicated in collapse patterns.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Prepared in pills or powder, 0.03–0.1g per dose. Generally not used in decoctions. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder for sprinkling, mixing and applying, or incorporated into plasters for application. Caution: This herb is pungent, aromatic, and highly penetrating. It may consume qi, damage yang, deplete blood, and harm yin. Use with caution in deficiency patterns; contraindicated in collapse patterns.
Contraindications
Taken in pill form: Musk can be made into pills together with other herbs such as Cinnabar (Zhū Shā), Realgar (Xióng Huáng), and Amber (Hǔ Pò), and taken internally as directed by a physician.
Selected Formulas
For febrile diseases with heat invading the pericardium, phlegm-heat clouding the mind, infantile convulsion, and stroke with phlegm syncope (Wenbing Tiaobian, Angong Niuhuang Wan; Heji Ju Fang, Zhibao Dan) Take Shexiang (Musk) combined with Niuhuang (Bovine bezoar), Bingpian (Borneol), and Zhusha (Cinnabar) as a cold-opening formula. For sudden stroke with coma, sudden severe chest and abdominal pain due to cold turbidity or phlegm-dampness blocking qi and clouding the mind (Heji Ju Fang, Suhexiang Wan) Take Shexiang combined with Suhexiang (Styrax), Tanxiang (Sandalwood), and Anxixiang (Benzoin) as a warm-opening formula. For sores, carbuncles, and toxic swellings (Waike Quansheng Ji, Xingxiao Wan) Take Shexiang with Xionghuang (Realgar), Ruxiang (Frankincense), and Moyao (Myrrh); or with Niuhuang, Ruxiang, and Moyao (Waike Quansheng Ji, Niuhuang Xingxiao Wan). For swollen and painful throat (Chinese Herbal Preparation Manual, Liushen Wan) Take Shexiang with Niuhuang, Chansu (Toad venom), and Zhenzhu (Pearl). For amenorrhea due to blood stasis; for severe blood stasis with abdominal masses (Wenbing Tiaobian, Huazheng Huisheng Dan) Take Shexiang often with Danshen (Salvia), Taoren (Peach kernel), Honghua (Safflower), and Chuanxiong (Ligusticum); for severe cases, combine with Shuizhi (Leech), Mengchong (Gadfly), and Sanleng (Sparganium). For sudden cardiac and abdominal pain (Shengji Zonglu, Shexiang Tang) Take Shexiang with Muxiang (Costus) and Taoren. For refractory hemicrania (Yilin Gaicuo, Tongqiao Huoxue Tang) Take Shexiang with Chishao (Red peony), Chuanxiong, and Taoren. For traumatic swelling and pain, fractures, and sprains (Liangfang Jiyi, Qili San; Yizong Jinjian, Bali San) Take Shexiang with Ruxiang, Moyao, and Honghua, for oral or external use. For wind-cold-dampness bi-pain that is persistent and refractory Take Shexiang with Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), Weilingxian (Clematis), and Sangjisheng (Taxillus). For dystocia and stillbirth (Zhangshi Yitong, Xianggui San) Take Shexiang with Rougui (Cinnamon). Alternatively, combine Shexiang with Zhuyazao (Gleditsia fruit) and Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root), make pills with scallion juice for external use (Hebei Medical Compilation, Duotai Wan).
Daily Consumption
Taken in pill form: Musk can be made into pills together with other herbs such as Cinnabar (Zhū Shā), Realgar (Xióng Huáng), and Amber (Hǔ Pò), and taken internally as directed by a physician.
Medicinal Parts
Dried secretion from the scent sac of a mature male.
Selection & Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from light, moisture, and insects.