TCM Part 4–Musk Deer and Seahorse

Musk deer (Moschus) Musk from the musk deer is the basis of some 300 TCM prescriptions, of various remedies in Western homeopathic medicine, and of some perfumes. It is used to promote circulation and to treat skin infections and abdominal pain. TRAFFIC reports that China’s demand for musk is estimated at 500–1,000 kilograms per year, …

Traditional Chinese Medicine Part 3

The Black Bear Black bears in cages in a Chinese bear farm--World Society for the Protection of Animals. - See more at: http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2007/10/traditional-chinese-medicine-and-endangered-animals/#sthash.2S2mdSV5.dpuf Bear bile is used in TCM to treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, including liver ailments and headaches. Although substitutes for bear bile exist, there is still a huge demand …

Today’s Rant: How We Support Animal Poaching

This is part 1 of a series of articles on this topic. Animal poaching greatly upsets me. Whether it's a rat, an opossum, a rhinocerous, or a beautiful tiger, it upsets me. We need to value all life, and to support poaching by purchasing products made with, or containing, animal parts, is just plain wrong. …