Castoreum facts for kids

Shalimar perfume, which has used castoreum

Castoreum is a special liquid that comes from beavers. It is a yellowish liquid found in two small pouches called castor sacs. These sacs are located under the beaver's skin, near the base of its tail. Both male and female beavers have these sacs. Beavers mix this liquid with their urine to mark their territory. This helps them tell other beavers where their home is.

For a long time, people have found different uses for castoreum. Today, it is sometimes used to help trap animals. It is also used in perfumes to give them a unique scent. In the past, it was even used as a medicine.

What is Castoreum Used For?

Castoreum in Perfumes

Castoreum is a special ingredient in many perfumes. It gives perfumes a unique smell, often described as leathery or animal-like. To use it, the beaver's castor sacs are dried and aged for a few years. This process helps to soften the strong smell.

Perfume makers then create a solution from the aged castor. This solution is added to perfumes to give them a deep, rich scent. Some famous perfumes that have used castoreum include Shalimar, Chanel Cuir de Russie, and Magie Noire. It helps make "leather" perfumes smell authentic.

Castoreum in Medicine

Long ago, castoreum was often used in medicine. People believed it could help treat many different health problems. For example, it was used to help with headaches and fevers. It was also thought to help with conditions like hysteria.

However, modern medicine does not use castoreum much anymore. Even so, in some places, the dried castor sacs were once more valuable than the beaver's fur! During the Middle Ages, some beekeepers even used castoreum, thinking it would help them produce more honey.

Images for kids

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  Castoreum is a yellowish liquid.

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  American Beavers at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

See also

In Spanish: Castóreo para niños