Animals in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Uses and Significance

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses various animal products. Common examples include:

• Bovine (cattle): Horns, bones, marrow; bezoars (gallstones) for fever reduction, anticonvulsant.
• Canine (dog): Meat, bones (controversial); warming properties for fatigue, impotence.
• Cervine (deer): Antlers, blood, placenta; restorative for fatigue, impotence, arthritis.
• Equine (horse): Urine; diuretic, anti-inflammatory.
• Feline (cat): Bones, feces (controversial); anti-inflammatory, analgesic; feces for skin diseases, abdominal pain.
• Ovine (sheep): Placenta, horns, intestines; restorative, anti-aging; anti-inflammatory.
• Porcine (pig): Meat, bones, lard; bones for fatigue, anemia.
• Snake: Venom, shed skin; pain, inflammation, epilepsy; skin anti-inflammatory.
• Tiger: Bone, penis, skin (highly controversial, illegal in many countries); pain, inflammation, impotence.

Note: Many TCM animal product uses are controversial, and claimed medicinal properties often lack scientific evidence.