Single Herb Glossary
Shè Xiāng 麝香
| Pharmaceutical name | Moschus navel gland secretions of the musk deer, musk "musk deer fragrance" |
| Category | Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices |
| Key Properties | Intensely Aromatic to Open all the Orifices & Awaken the Spirit, Stop Pain, & Unblock the Channels & Collaterals by Invigorating the Blood |
| Properties | Acrid Warm Aromatic |
| Tropism | HT, SP, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Vigorously Opens Orifices, Revives Spirit, & Unblocks Closed Disorders 2) Invigorate Blood, Dissipate Clumps, Red Swelling, & Alleviate Pain 3) Hastens Delivery & Facilitate Downward Passage of Stillborns |
| Dosages | 0.03-0.1g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy, and Yin Def with Heat signs. Caution in patients with significant allergies, hypertension, or reduced kidney function. Some classic texts advise against ingestion of garlic while taking She Xiang |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Muscone, normuscone, muscopyridine, allantoin, androsterone, olein |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effects on the central nervous system: small doses of She Xiang and muscone have stimulating effect on CNS, while large doses have inhibiting effect; effect of herb to open sensory orifices associated with its function to reduce cerebral edema, increase blood perfusion to brain, and increase resistance of CNS to hypoxia • Cardiovascular: associated with positive inotropic effect, positive cardiotonic effect, and an increase in cardiac output in frog heart specimens; with intravenous injection, significantly lowered blood pressure; muscone, on the other hand, demonstrated mixed effects on cardiovascular system in various animal species • Antibiotic: muscone has inhibitory effect against S. aureus and E. coli • Uterine stimulant: herb and muscone both have stimulating effect on smooth muscles, leading to contraction of uterus; pregnant uteri are more strongly influenced by this than non-pregnant ones • Antineoplastic: herb and muscone demonstrated preliminary effectiveness against ascites and carcinoma in mice; in humans, has been used to treat cancers of the esophagus, gastric glands, colon, and urinary bladder |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.