Mao's Bestiary: Medicinal Animals and Modern China

The use of wild animals in China for medicinal purposes has been a controversial topic, with concerns over ethics, efficacy, and wildlife conservation. Mao's Bestiary by Liz P. Y. Chee explores the history of the use of medicinal animals in modern China, including the expansion of production and use under the early Communist state, the craze for chicken blood therapy during the Cultural Revolution, and the influence of the Soviet Union and North Korea on Chinese zootherapies. Chee demonstrates that Chinese medicine is a realm of change rather than a timeless tradition, and offers hope for reforming its use of animals.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 14 May 2021
\n Publisher: Duke University Press
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The debate surrounding the medicinal uses of wild animals in China has intensified, encompassing ethical concerns, the efficacy of animal-based drugs, the detrimental impact of animal farming on wildlife conservation, and the potential for zoonotic diseases to emerge. In her book, Mao's Bestiary, Liz P. Y. Chee delves into the historical trajectory of the utilization of medicinal animals in contemporary China. While animal parts and tissue have been employed in Chinese medicine for centuries, Chee highlights how the early Communist state expanded and systematized their production and use to address drug shortages, attract foreign investment in high-end animal medicines, and facilitate an ideological shift towards legitimizing folk remedies.

Within the pages of Chee's book, she explores a range of topics, including the fervor for chicken blood therapy during the Cultural Revolution, the origins of deer antler farming under Mao and bear bile farming under Deng, and the significant influence exerted by the Soviet Union and North Korea on Chinese zootherapies. Through her meticulous research, Chee unveils Chinese medicine as a realm of transformation rather than a stagnant tradition, offering a hopeful perspective in light of ongoing efforts to reform its use of animals.

This controversy underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both the ethical implications and scientific evidence associated with the use of wild animals in medicine. It also highlights the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts to protect wildlife and ensure the long-term viability of traditional medicine systems. As we navigate this complex terrain, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of both humans and animals, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two.

\n Weight: 418g\n
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781478014041\n \n