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Musk (historical record)

Musk (historical record) (사향, 麝香) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a orifice-opening substance (animal-derived). Its nature is warm and its taste pungent, bitter, associated with the Heart, Spleen meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include opens the sensory orifices (classical use), calms the heart and spirit (classical use), invigorates blood circulation (classical use). Caution: Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are listed as threatened and regulated under CITES; international trade in natural musk is heavily restricted or banned in most jurisdictions.

사향 (麝香) · Moschus moschiferus L.
Orifice-opening substance (animal-derived) Warm Pungent, bitter Heart, Spleen
NatureWarm
TastePungent, bitter
MeridiansHeart, Spleen
Part usedDried gland secretion (historical use)
FamilyMoschidae (animal-derived, endangered species)
CategoryOrifice-opening substance (animal-derived)
Find by concern: AnxietyAbdominal pain

Overview

Musk was recorded by the Donguibogam as one of the most powerful mind-opening substances in the classical pharmacy — but this page exists to document that historical record honestly, not to encourage its use. Musk deer (Moschus species) are internationally recognized as threatened, and the substance this entry describes carries real conservation weight in the present day.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性溫, 味辛苦, 無毒. 主辟惡氣, 鎭心安神. 療溫瘧, 蠱毒, 癎痓, 中惡, 心腹痛.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It chiefly wards off malign qi, settles the heart, and calms the spirit. It treats warm malaria, toxin-poisoning, convulsive disorders, sudden collapse, and pain of the heart and abdomen.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Opens the sensory orifices (classical use)
  • Calms the heart and spirit (classical use)
  • Invigorates blood circulation (classical use)
  • Historically recorded — not a use we can recommend today

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Historically recorded for sudden collapse and unconsciousness
  • Historically recorded for severe fright and convulsions
  • These are historical records, not modern recommendations

Traditional preparation

Historical record only. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance for wild-sourced musk; synthetic musk alternatives are used in modern formulations under professional regulation.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Musk deer (Moschus spp.) are listed as threatened and regulated under CITES; international trade in natural musk is heavily restricted or banned in most jurisdictions. Modern practice has largely replaced natural musk with synthetic alternatives. This page documents a historical materia medica record — DonguiHub does not encourage or facilitate the acquisition or use of wild-sourced musk. Traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy due to its strongly invigorating action.

Frequently asked questions

Why does this page discourage using musk if it's a recorded Donguibogam herb?

DonguiHub documents the Donguibogam as a historical text, but our editorial principles require us to note current conservation realities. Musk deer are internationally protected, and responsible modern practice uses synthetic alternatives — we describe the historical record without encouraging acquisition of the wild-sourced substance.

What do modern practitioners use instead?

Synthetic musk compounds, developed to replicate the aromatic and pharmacological properties without requiring musk deer, are widely used in modern formulations and are the responsible substitute where musk was classically indicated.

Sources

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