Overview

Castoreum is a substance collected from the glands of Canadian, European, and Siberian beavers.

Castoreum is sometimes used for anxiety, insomnia, menstrual cramps, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods and beverages, castoreum extract is used as a flavoring agent.

In manufacturing, castoreum tincture is used as a fragrance or fixative in cosmetics and soaps.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough reliable information to know how castoreum works in the body.

There isn't enough reliable information to know how castoreum works in the body.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • A type of anxiety marked by episodes of intense fear (panic disorder).
  • Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
  • Anxiety.
  • Insomnia.
  • Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of castoreum for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Castoreum is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe when taken in medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Castoreum 4% ointment is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used for up to 10 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum 4% ointment is safe when used for longer than 10 days or when a different product is used.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Castoreum is LIKELY SAFE when taken in the amounts found in food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe when taken in medicinal amounts or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Castoreum 4% ointment is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used for up to 10 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum 4% ointment is safe when used for longer than 10 days or when a different product is used.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if castoreum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for CASTOREUM overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of castoreum depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for castoreum. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.