Animal cures for many conditions

TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine uses approximately 1,000 plant and 36 animal species including the endangered tiger, rhinoceros and seahorse.

• Tiger bone is a favourite treatment for joint ailments, such as arthritis and muscular atrophy. Although its use was banned in 1993, poaching continues.

• Rhino horn is used to treat fevers, convulsions and delirium.

• Bile from bear gall bladders is used for liver disease, headaches, bacterial infections and inflammation.

• The seahorse is used to treat kidney ailments, circulatory problems and impotence.

• Sloughed snake skin is for skin conditions, eye infections, sore throats and haemorrhoids. The skin and meat of pit vipers are used for intestinal haemorrhage.

• Ground tortoise and turtle bones treat skin disorders.