Tiger Bone & Rhino Horn: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

TIGER BONE & RHINO HORN: The Destruction of Wildlife for Traditional Chinese Medicine

RICHARD ELLIS

Traditional Chinese medicine makes judicious use of natural substances--primarily herbs--to treat human ailments. However, its use of some exotic medicinal ingredients, such as tiger bones, bear bile, and powdered rhino horn, has contributed to the rapid decline of endangered animals. There are now only 3,500 tigers in India, and many of them are in imminent danger of being poached for their parts. This book covers the history of Western medicine and Chinese healing traditions, explaining how they overlapped in their beginnings. As Chinese healing evolved it emphasized the medicinal value of plant and animal pars. The author examines current measures to preserve rhinos, tigers, and other species under pressure from the demands of Chinese medicine. These actions include scientific research into the real or imagined medicinal values of animal-based potions and public relations campaigns in support of conservation. Island Press, 2005, 320 p., b&w photos, hardcover, $26.95.