Veldfundi's Rhino Horn use in Traditional Chinese Medicine | Rhino Horn and Foxglove Soup

Submitted via http://www.veldfundi.co.za

Veldfundi's Rhino Horn use in Traditional Chinese Medicine quotes the response from a Chinese Traditional Healer on the use of Rhino Horn in Traditional Chinese medicine. The recipe of Rhino Horn and Foxglove Soup is contained with its purported medicinal properties and ailments it was claimed to be traditionally used for. The author is not aware of any scientific evidence backing the allegations of medical properties of Rhino horn made in this video. The purpose of this video is to initiate debate on Rhino poaching and the future of Rhinos as a result of Rhino poaching done for the purposes of trading in Rhino products.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• South Africa
• Rhino poaching
• rhino horn
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Chinese Healer
• Rhino products
• China
• Rhino Horn and Foxglove Soup
• http://www.veldfundi.co.za

[GalenSchultz]

A conservationist once explained to me the dilemma with regards to legalising rhino horn. For one, SA is sitting on a HUGE stockpile of rhino horn, which has mostly been accumulated from catching poachers. They are not allowed to sell it as it's illegal. If they were to sell it, all the profits would go straight back into conservation efforts AND it would lower the demand for rhino horn. Of course the risks involved are fueling and perhaps growing the market and encouraging more poaching.

[AlexVolker]

@GalenSchultz Those are more valid points, but whatever the solutions are. It is better to act than to do nothing and doing nothing may lead to the extinction of our rhinos. If the powers of the world do legalise the trade in rhino horn then yes South Africa would profit finacially and maybe even save our Rhinos, but we must then accept that the rhino horn will end up in someones soup in the guise of medicine and we have already agreed that science has proven hair and nails is not medicine.

[GalenSchultz]

@AlexVolker I think trying to change cultural perception is a rather fruitless endeavour to be honest. Only Time can fight that battle. Not legalising something like rhino horn isn't going to stop people using it for whatever purposes. It will just happen underground. Consider alcohol prohibition and the legalising of marijuana. If or when these are legalised it is FAR easier to control and regulate. But perhaps that's just my opinion

[AlexVolker]

@GalenSchultz As I mentioned some high profile conservationists like Dr Ian Player are in favour of legalising the trade in rhino horn and nobody can challenge his commitment to conservation or his love for wildlife. I realise changing perceptions is hard especially with cultural entrenchment and political alienation. It doesnt help that many Oriental countries restrict freedom of speech via the internet. Perceptions can be changed in my opinion, through educating youth and public pressure.

[LittleDogfan101]

i still dont see how this is scientifically accurate at all to even heal a person like that. rhino horns should already just be as illegal as crack. and they BELIEVE this works. f*ck poachers and f*ck rhino horn medicine practice

[BaronVerulam1618]

Javan Rhino now extinct in Vietnam. Not long till they get the lot

Congratulations China

[sheila5619]

When there are no more Rhino's left : what will the Chinese do then!!!!! The Rhino is already an endangered spices, The change in attitude needs to start now they need to stop using Rhino horn.Perhaps they could find a vegetable substitute.

[AlexVolker]

@GalenSchultz You are absolutely right about that, but the morally eroded people void of emotion I refer to are those who pull the trigger to kill the Rhino. They are poachers and I dont care for poachers' cultural sensitivities.

[GalenSchultz]

@AlexVolker Again one has to be scrupulously careful when calling another culture or people "morally eroded" based on their beliefs, lifestyles or by their means in trying to support a family. Someone could just as easily say the same of people who eat fish amongst the oceanic crisis, wear fur, drive cars or pray to a deity

[AlexVolker]

@GalenSchultz You make a very valid point. On one side the demand for Rhino horn is threatening the very existence of Rhinos in the world on the other there are people who actually believe that rhino horn can cure disease despite significant evidence to the contrary. The fight against poaching on the ground is against those who kill the animals, but these people are morally eroded and totally void of a conscience or making money to feed their families. The problem must be addressed at its root.

[GalenSchultz]

My personal belief is that the more rhino horn available, the lower its value (same as diamonds). What also might work is more scientific info regarding what rhino horn is actually made of - i.e. hair :P