Musk essential oil was originally extracted from the sexual glands of the Himalayan musk deer. [1]
But, since 1979, the glandular secretion of musk deer has been banned to prevent the ecological imbalance. The musk essential oil used today is a plant-based product.
This oil consists of some other essential oils such as rose petal essential oil, frankincense essential oil, Myrrh essential oil, patchouli essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, ambrette seed oil, and amber oil. It also contains almond oil or jojoba oil.
Some musk essential oils use synthetic source to obtain the musk, while some use other essential oils.
The essential oils that imitate the odor of musk originate from the plants like Olearia argophylla, Angelica archangelica, Mimulus moschatus, and Abelmoschus moschatus.
Musk essential oil is rare and expensive. It has a sharp, earthy, and woody fragrance. That’s why some manufacturers use this oil as a key ingredient in perfumes. But, this oil has some other health benefits and uses as well.
Read on to learn about the potential benefits and uses of musk essential oil.
Chemical Components of Musk Essential Oil
What makes the natural musk from the musk deer so unique is its wide array of aromatic compounds.
Muscone is the most important component of musk essential oil. It’s responsible for the oil’s musky aroma. [2]
Musk essential oil also contains acids, phenols, aliphatic alcohols, and waxes.
Benefits & Uses of Musk Essential Oil
1. Musk Essential Oil May Reduce Anxiety.
Musk essential oil can reduce anxiety, and stress, and make your body relaxed, thanks to muscone.
A study published in 2002 reported that muscone could alter human mood and reduce anxiety and stress. [2]
Anxiety and stress can cause sleep disorders like insomnia. Musk essential oil can make you relaxed and help you sleep.
Related: 12+ Essential Oils for Anxiety that Work (with How to Use Them)
2. It is Great for Meditation.
Musk essential oil is quite popular for meditation. The earthy, woody aroma of this oil can ease nerve inflammation. [2]
It is important to stay relaxed before you start meditation. Inhaling musk essential oil can calm your mind.
3. Musk Essential Oil Can Reduce Body Odor.
The woody smell of musk essential oil helps it to work as a natural deodorant.
The aroma of this oil is quite sharp and powerful. It can cover up any bad smell that comes from your body.
Related: 16 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Body Odor Naturally
4. It is Good for Skincare.
Musk essential oil is claimed to be a great moisturizer for the skin. This oil contains almond oil or jojoba oil which is also good for the skin.
Besides, some of the essential oil it contains have properties that make your skin soft and supple. Unlike traditional lotions, it doesn’t feel sticky when it’s humid.
Related: 13 Best Essential Oils for Skin Glow
5. Musk Essential Oil Can Treat Cold.
Musk essential oil can treat cold or some other respiratory problems.
It’s because the essential oils used to create this oil are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. These components help musk oil to reduce inflammation and itchiness that cause you to sneeze.
In a study published in 2015, frankincense oil and myrrh oil effectively reduced pain and inflammation in Adjuvant-induced Arthritis (AIA) rats. [3]
6. It May Cure Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Musk essential oil can be a good choice if you have some problems with digestion.
This oil contains myrrh essential oil which is a popular remedy for IBD.
A research was published in the Journal of CROHN’S and COLITIS. It considers myrrh oil a complementary and reliable treatment for IBD. [4]
The anti-inflammatory effects of this essential oil also help cure stomach aches and dyspepsia.
7. Musk Essential Oil May Treat Arthritis.
The anti-inflammatory components in musk essential oil can help treat arthritis.
260 patients with rheumatoid arthritis participated in a study published in 1996. Those who used frankincense had less pain, stiffness, and swelling. [5]
As frankincense oil is an ingredient of musk essential oil, using it may reduce the pain and inflammation in joints.
Related: Coconut Oil for Arthritis: 7 Reasons Why You Should Use It!
8. It Has Neuroprotective Effects.
As you get older, your brain gets older as well, making it difficult to remember anything.
The neuroprotective properties of musk essential oil can protect you from brain deterioration.
A study published in 2009 shows the protective effects of muscone on pheochromocytoma cell injury. [6]
Regular use of musk essential oil may reduce damage because of the toxins to the nervous systems.
How to Make Musk Essential Oil at Home
Although you can buy musk essential oil from the store, making it can be a good idea as well. In this way, you can avoid buying a fake or adulterated one.
The procedure is quite simple. With the right ingredients, you can create this essential oil at home.
Learn how you may create musk essential oil at home:
- Take an eight oz glass bottle.
- Pour four oz jojoba oil and one oz ambrette seed oil.
- Add five drops of each of rose, cedarwood, patchouli, and amber essential oil.
- Finally, add ten drops of each of frankincense oil and myrrh oil in it.
How to Use Musk Essential Oil
You can use musk essential oil for massage or inhalation based on your preference:
Massage:
- Massage a few drops of musk essential oil on your affected area.
Inhalation:
- You can inhale the aroma of musk essential oil directly from the bottle.
- You can pour a few drops of this essential oil into a diffuser and let the aroma spread to your home.
Precautions to Follow
Musk essential oil is usually considered safe for adults. But, as it contains some other essential oils, there might be some side effects.
You must consider the following things while using this essential oil:
- Some musk essential oils use synthetic musk that may contain Aromatic nitro musk, Polycyclic musk, or Macrocyclic musk compounds. Only the musk oil made of Macrocyclic musk compounds is safe to use.
- If you have an allergy to any of the essential oils used to create this blend, you must avoid using it.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers are highly recommended not to use this oil.
- Use this product as directed in the label or ask an expert.
- Although musk essential oil is safe, it is recommended to use this oil in a moderate amount.
Conclusion
Musk essential oil is popular because of its woodsy and vibrant aroma.
This essential oil is commonly used in perfumery. But you can also add it into your shampoos, soaps, and regular moisturizers.
As musk oil is a blend of some essential oils, it contains the medicinal properties of those oils. Using this essential oil can be a great benefit.
But, be careful while you are buying musk essential oil that is made of synthetic musk. Make sure you don’t buy the oil that contains Aromatic nitro musk or Polycyclic musk.
There are some controversies about the effectiveness and safety of musk essential oil. You must consult with an expert aromatherapist before using this essential oil.
Read More: 6 Potential Uses & Benefits of Valor Essential Oil
