Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Kasturi Did you know that 'Kasturi ' or 'Deer Musk', is the well known perfumery product of animal origin, obtained from the dried gland of the male musk deer, and also used as 'Kasturi Tilakam', a mark of vertical line on the forehead of an image of a deity, or by devotees? Kasturi, known in Sanskrit as 'Kasturika', is 'Deer Musk' perfume gained from the navel extracted from the caudal glands of the male musk deer (Moschus moschifeus). There are seven musk producing species that make up Moschus of genus of the family Moschidae. out of which six species are listed as Endangered. White bellied musk deer occurs in the Himalayas from Afghanistan, Pakistan to China, and of these Kashmiri Musk deer in Himalayas is one of the most endangered species in the region. The Highest quality of musk is Tonkin musk from Vietnam, followed by Assam and Nepal musk, while Carbadine musk from Russian and Chinese Himalayan regions are considered inferior. Kasturi...