These 5 Animal Products Sold for Their Bogus ‘Health’ Benefits are Driving Species to Extinction

For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has called on a number of animal and

plant products to help treat and cure a number of common ailments. This method of medicine differs vastly  from the Western medicine tradition that many of us have grown up with. Rather than relying on manufactured pharmaceuticals, TCM uses natural ingredients and considers the entire person in treatment, not just a singular symptom.

TCM is used in countries across the world and performed by many practitioners, including those in the United States. Although there are many lauded benefits of TCM, one glaring downside is the use of animal ingredients, specifically endangered animal parts.

Some of the animals used for TCM are killed by poachers while others are bred in captivity and housed in barbaric conditions for life. For years, wildlife advocates and conservationists have been urging their respective governments to pass legislation in an effort to aid these animals. For example, importing bear bile for the treatment of inflammation-related ailments was ruled illegal under the Bear Protection Act of 2009 to protect endangered sun and moon bears in Asia.

Some practitioners insist they no longer use animals in their products, but studies have revealed mislabeling is rampant and that products continue to be sold with animal parts.

Customers are usually unaware of how much abuse goes into making the product and many are against the slaughter of animals for medicine. Although many find these claims disturbing and barbaric, some individuals believe that by consuming parts of an animal, they will be rejuvenated and take on certain qualities of the animal (eg. strength, courage, etc).

In 2014, a law was passed in China to increase the severity of penalties and length of jail time for anyone knowingly purchasing or consuming animals that have been poached. Despite this, however, bear bile farms, tiger farms and the use of other endangered animal parts for medicinal value continue to be on the rise.

Here are some of the most common animal products used for their health benefits.

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