It is a dry substance secreted by a gland in the sub-umbilical sac of the male musk deer. It is mainly produced in provinces of Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia of China, etc. For the wild, it's mostly bunted in winter, and cut the musk gland for musk; while the tamed one, the musk is taken by operation. The musk should be dried in shade, and stored in the closed and light-proof container.
Medicinal Properties: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the heart and spleen meridians.
Actions: Regain consciousness, activate the blood, disperse stasis, arrest pain and induce abortion.
Application
1. It is used for coma, delirium, stroke and convulsion due to seasonal febrile diseases in which pathogenic heat attacks the perieardium. For coma of heat type, it's often prescribed along with Xijiao ( Cornu Rhinocerotis) and Niuhuang ( Calculus Bovis), etc., such as Zhibao Dan (Bolus) and Angong Niuhuang Wan (Pill)； for coma of cold type, combined with Suhexiang (Styrax Liquidus ), Dingxiang ( Flos Caryophylli ), and Tanxiang (Lignum Santali), etc., such as Suhexiang Wan (Pill).
2. It is applied for pyocutaneous disease or sore throat. It can be used orally or externally. For the former, it is usually used together with Xionghuang (Realgar), Ruxiang (Olibanum), etc., such as Xingxiao Wan (Pill); for the latter, it is used together with Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis ) , Xionghuang ( Realgar ) , and Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum), such as Liushen Wan (Pill).
3. It is applied for angina pectoris, trauma and Bi-syndrome with pain. For pain in the chest and abdomen, it is used together with Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae ) and Taoren ( Semen Persicae ); for trauma and swollen pain due to blood stasis, used together with Sumu (Lignum Sappan), Moyao (Myrrha), etc.
4. For abdominal mass, amenorrhea, dead fetus or retention of placenta, it is used together with Sanleng (Rhizoma Sparganii ), Ezhu ( Rhizoma Zedoariae ), and Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), etc..
Usageand Dosage:
0.06 - 0. 1 g is used in powder or pill, not in decoction, and proper amount is for external application.
Notes:
Contraindicated for Pregnant women.