Here's why people want tiger bones:
* Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): For centuries, some TCM practitioners have used tiger bone in remedies for a range of ailments, including arthritis, rheumatism, and even impotence. However, there is NO scientific evidence to support these claims.
* Cultural Beliefs: In some cultures, tiger bone is seen as a symbol of power and strength, and consuming it is believed to transfer these qualities to the user.
* Demand and Supply: Due to the limited availability of tiger bone and the high demand, it has become a highly valuable commodity on the black market. This high price fuels poaching and illegal trade.
The Reality:
* Tiger bones have no medicinal properties: Scientific research has repeatedly shown that tiger bones do not contain any unique or effective compounds.
* Tiger bone use is illegal: In most countries, including China, the use of tiger bones is now illegal due to the species' endangered status.
* The demand for tiger bones fuels poaching: The illegal trade in tiger bones is a significant threat to the survival of wild tigers.
Instead of using tiger bones, there are many effective and safe alternative treatments available for the conditions TCM practitioners claim tiger bones can treat.
It is important to remember that:
* Tiger bones have no medicinal value.
* The demand for tiger bones drives poaching and threatens the survival of tigers.
* There are ethical and legal reasons why you should never use tiger bones.
We need to raise awareness about the harmful effects of using tiger bones and promote the use of alternative treatments.