Musk

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Almizcle, Cerf Porte-Musc, Chevrotain Porte-Musc, Chevrotain Porte-Musc de Sibérie, Deer Musk, Moschus moschiferus, Musc, Porte-Musc de Sibérie, Tonquin Musk.

Overview

Musk is a chemical from the musk gland of the male musk deer. The chemical is used to make medicine.

People take musk for stroke, coma, nerve problems, seizures (convulsions), heart pains, and sores.

In foods, musk is often used with nut, caramel, and fruit-type flavors.

In manufacturing, musk is used in fragrances and perfumes.

Don't confuse musk with musk root (Ferula sumbul).

How does work?

Musk might decrease swelling (inflammation).

Uses

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Stroke.
  • Coma.
  • Nerve problems.
  • Convulsions.
  • Heart pains.
  • Sores.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of musk for these uses.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Side Effects

There isn't enough information to know if musk is safe to use as a medicine. It can cause skin allergies.

Precautions

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of musk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of musk depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for musk. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.