Herb: Musk

Herb: Musk

　　Tibet mainly produces forest musk deer, which are larger in size compared to alpine musk deer, have longer snouts, and are generally brown all over. They usually only have a few faint yellow spots on the neck. The area under the jaw and neck as well as the belly are yellowish-white. Male musk deer have well-developed upper canine teeth that protrude from the lips and curve slightly downward, commonly known as "tusks"; there is a musk gland sac near the navel containing the musk. Female musk deer have smaller upper canine teeth that do not protrude and also lack a musk gland sac.

Musk deer have keen vision, sensitive hearing, and agile movements, but they are timid by nature and are often active alone at dawn and dusk. Musk deer inhabiting higher-altitude shrublands or mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests usually have darker fur; those living in green mountain areas with small patches of grass have lighter-colored fur, but the underside of the fur is grayish-white, gradually darkening upward and gaining luster. The fur of musk deer is slightly wavy, very soft, and can be used to make high-end Tibetan cushions or pillow stuffing.

Dried musk sacs are referred to as "whole musk" or "hairy musk," and are flat or oval-shaped sacs whose weight varies depending on age. The musk grains inside have a strong fragrance and appear as liver-colored or purplish-red granules and powders of varying sizes. However, the secretions in the sacs of young male musk deer are pus-like and cannot be used medicinally. The granular musk grains are commonly called "deer tallow," mostly purplish-black, oily and shiny, and considered the highest quality. The main component of musk is muscone, making up about 0.5%–2% of pure dried musk. In addition, it contains various androstane derivatives as well as muscopyridine.

Musk is warm in nature, pungent in flavor, and functions to open orifices, unblock meridians, dispel filth, and disperse blood stasis. Its effect on the central nervous system is excitatory in small doses and inhibitory in large doses; it stimulates respiration, accelerates the pulse, raises blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. It has a pronounced excitatory effect on the uterus, and therefore should not be used by pregnant women. Musk also inhibits Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and can treat conditions such as stroke with unconsciousness, phlegm blocking the heart orifices, sudden heart or abdominal pain, abscesses and swelling toxins, and bruises. It is also a premium ingredient in perfumes.