Civet Oil
Unlike our imagination, Civet oil is not extracted from a plant or a herb. It is extracted from small to medium-sized carnivores called as civets. This animal belongs to the Viverridae animal family. This family includes other members like mongooses, linsangs and genets. There are more than 35 species of civets. Civets are generally found in the temperate deciduous forests. These animals vary in size and appearance according to their species. The general description of this animal is that it looks like a cat. It has slender body, long nose, short legs, long furry tail and pointed ears. The natural distribution of this animal is spread in the temperate climatic conditions and is restricted to the warmer areas. The term ‘Civet’ is derived from an Arabic word which means the oily fluid and its odor secreted by perineal glands.
Civet oil is nothing but the glandular secretion from the small pockets that are located near the testicles. This oil was initially extracted from the Civet male cat. This is an endangered species. For this sole reason, Civet oil is produced synthetically in the recent times. This rich oil has a musky scent. This mesmerizing scent is used to attract the opposite sex. It is still used in many parts of the world for this purpose. Civet oil often signifies love and lust.
Civets are nocturnal foragers that have semi-arboreal and arboreal habits. Arboreal means those animals that live in trees. These animals rest in a hollow tree, shallow burrow or a rock crevice during the day time. The methods of extracting the scent from the Civets differ. Few of the species passes the scent passively when moving. This happens when their glands rub vegetation. Few others pass the scent by squatting, rubbing or wiping the gland on the ground or on any object. The African civets are said to be the best among the species. They are found with two-spotted palm. This type of Civets spend most their time in the forest canopy. African Civets generally rely on fruits, insects, small mammals, lizards and birds. The lifestyles of Civets are assisted by their hairless soles, sharp curved claws, partially fused toes that support climbing the trees. Few species of Civets are also said to swim and prey fish and few other amphibians.
Uses: Civet oil is used to foster love, lust and sexual feelings. It helps in attracting the opposite sex with its incredible fragrance. Civet oil is in use in the perfume industry for centuries together. It is said that this oil was imported by King Solomon from Africa. This oil has also proved effective in treating certain skin disorders and helps in bringing down perspiration.
