Beaver extinction in part for the production of castoreum, which was used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. Castoreum was described in the 1911 British Pharmaceutical Codex for use in dysmenorrhea and hysterical conditions (i.e. pertaining to the womb), for raising blood pressure and increasing cardiac output. The activity of castoreum has been credited to the accumulation of salicin from willow trees in the beaver's diet, which is transformed to salicylic acid and has an action very similar to aspirin. Castoreum continues to be used in perfume production. Castoreum can be used as an enhancer of vanilla, strawberry and raspberry flavorings.
Castor Bay the bay, running towards the south. A small bark and grass area with several large pohutukawa trees offering shelter compliments the beachfront and an extended coastline stretches out to the north towards Campbells Bay. Nearby John F. Kennedy Park contains old World War II bunkers that were used to survey the Hauraki Gulf and is accessible from Castor Bay by road (Beach Road) or by walkway (from the extended coastline to the north). The northern headland of Castor Bay is the site of an old Maori pā, Rahopara, that is believed to have been last inhabited and then abandoned in