Musk (historical record)

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: Anxiety Abdominal 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 functions

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

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.

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

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
CITES (멸종위기에처한야생동식물종의국제거래에관한협약) — 사향노루(Moschus spp.) 보호종 지정 근거

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.