What animals are used in traditional Chinese medicine?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses a variety of animal products in its treatments. Some of the most common animals used include:

- Bovine (cattle): Cattle horns, bones, and marrow are all used in TCM. Bovine bezoars (gallstones) are also used, and are believed to have fever-reducing and anticonvulsant properties.

- Canine (dog): Dog meat and bones are used in TCM, though their use is controversial in some cultures. Dog meat is believed to have warming properties, and is sometimes used to treat conditions like fatigue and impotence.

- Cervine (deer): Deer antlers, blood, and placenta are all used in TCM. Deer antlers are believed to have restorative properties, and are often used to treat conditions like fatigue, impotence, and arthritis.

- Equine (horse): Horse urine is used in TCM, and is believed to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Feline (cat): Cat bones and feces are used in TCM. Cat bones are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while cat feces are believed to have a variety of medicinal uses, such as treating skin diseases and abdominal pain.

- Ovine (sheep): Sheep placenta, horns, and intestines are all used in TCM. Sheep placenta is believed to have restorative and anti-aging properties, while sheep horns are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

- Porcine (pig): Pork meat, bones, and lard are all used in TCM. Pork bones are believed to have a variety of medicinal uses, such as treating fatigue and anemia.

- Snake: Snake venom and shed skin are used in TCM. Snake venom is believed to have a variety of medicinal uses, such as treating pain, inflammation, and epilepsy. Shed snake skin is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

- Tiger: Tiger bone, penis, and skin are used in TCM, though their use is highly controversial and illegal in many countries. Tiger products are believed to have a variety of medicinal uses, such as treating pain, inflammation, and impotence.

It's important to note that the use of these animal products in TCM is often controversial, and some of the claims made about their medicinal properties lack scientific evidence.

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