FWD: Association: Pills not made from bear bile

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This article is from thestar.com.my

URL:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2002/10/30/nation/jbbear & sec=nation

 

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Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Association: Pills not made from bear bile

By LAM LI

 

JOHOR BARU: Bear bile pills sold at traditional Chinese medicine shops are not

really prepared from the bile of the animal, according to Chinese medicine

practitioners here.

 

It is a “sort of an established product name” which the public is familiar with

and trusts, South Johor Operators Association deputy chairman

Lee Long Hock said.

 

The so-called bear bile pills used for the treatment of minor ailments like

sore throat, and sold for between RM1 and RM6, are actually prepared with the

bile from snakes and other animals, he said.

 

“Traditionally, bear bile was regarded as the best remedy to treat severe

burns, reduce body heat and suppress shock of people who have fallen from a

great height.

 

He said that nowadays, it is practically impossible to use bear bile as part of

the remedy. “The bear population has dwindled and its parts have become precious

and very expensive,” he said in an interview.

 

He was commenting on a recent report by the World Society for the Protection of

Animals (WSPA) on The Bear Bile Business which stated that based on a survey

conducted in five major cities in Malaysia, 78% of traditional Chinese medicine

shops were selling bear bile in the form of powder, flakes or crystals.

 

The trading of the animal parts is illegal under the Convention for the

International Trade in Endangered Species, of which Malaysia is a signatory.

 

Lee said the product name remained “bear bile pills” for the convenience of

“market recognition”.

 

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