Shè Xiāng (麝香) — musk
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
This substance comes from an endangered or protected species and cannot be legally prescribed in the UK. The Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) prohibits the use of any endangered species, and trade is restricted under CITES.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Shi Chang Pu and Bing Pian (borneol).
On this page
1. Overview
Shè Xiāng (麝香) — musk (Moschus) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that open the orifices. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Shè Xiāng or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shè Xiāng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 麝香 |
| Source | musk (Moschus) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Heart, Spleen |
| Traditional category | Open the orifices |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shè Xiāng was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Opens the orifices and revives the spirit
- Invigorates the Blood and dispels masses
- Reduces swelling and stops pain
Traditional indications
- Loss of consciousness
- Blood stasis with pain and masses
- Painful swellings and sores
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shè Xiāng, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shi Chang Pu and Bing Pian (borneol). The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Shè Xiāng is from an endangered or protected species. It cannot be legally prescribed in the UK, and trade is restricted internationally under CITES. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Formulas containing Shè Xiāng
Shè Xiāng appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang — Restore Yang & Rescue from Collapse
- Liù Shén Wán — Six Spirits Pill
- Niú Huáng Qīng Xīn Wán — Cattle Gallstone Heart-Clearing Pill
- Piàn Zǎi Huáng — Pien Tze Huang
- Qī Lí Sǎn — Seven Thousandths of a Tael Powder
- Shè Xiāng Bǎo Xīn Wán — Musk Heart-Protecting Pill
- Sū Hé Xiāng Wán — Liquid Styrax Pill
- Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang — Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate Blood Decoction
- Xī Huáng Wán — Bezoar and Musk Toxin-Resolving Pill
- Zhì Bǎo Dān — Greatest Treasure Special Pill
- Zǐ Xuě Dān — Purple Snow Elixir
- Ān Gōng Niú Huáng Wán — Calm the Palace Pill with Cattle Gallstone
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