Musk Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Precautions

Musk essential oil was initially 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 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 sources to obtain the musk, while some use other essential oils.

The essential oils that imitate musk odor 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 critical ingredient in perfumes. But, this oil has some other health benefits and uses as well.

Read on to learn about musk essential oil’s potential benefits and uses.

Chemical Components of Musk Essential Oil

Its wide array of aromatic compounds makes the natural musk from the musk deer so unique.

Muscone is the most critical component of musk essential oil. It’s responsible for the oil’s musky aroma. [2]

Musk essential oil 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 relax your body, 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.

2. It is Great for Meditation.

Musk essential oil is quite famous 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 decisive. It can cover up any foul smell that comes from your body.

4. It is Good for Skincare.

Musk essential oil is claimed to be an excellent moisturizer for the skin. In addition, this oil contains almond oil or jojoba oil, which is also suitable 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.

5. Musk Essential Oil Can Treat Cold.

Musk essential oil can treat colds or some other respiratory problems.

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, a popular IBD remedy.

The 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 joint pain and inflammation.

8. It Has Neuroprotective Effects.

As you get older, your brain gets older, 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 also be a good idea. 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.
Next, add five drops of each rose, cedarwood, patchouli, and amber essential oil.
Finally, add ten drops of each frankincense oil and myrrh oil.

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.

It would help if you considered 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 essential oils used to create this blend, you must avoid using them.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers are highly recommended not to use this oil.
Use this product as directed on 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 to your shampoos, soaps, and regular moisturizers.

As musk oil is a blend of some essential oils, it contains the medicinal properties of those oils. Therefore, 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. Ensure you don’t believe the oil contains Aromatic nitro musk or Polycyclic musk.

There are some controversies about the effectiveness and safety of musk essential oil. Therefore, you must consult an expert aromatherapist before using this essential oil.