"Adverse effects from alternative therapies can come in many forms, and the alternative practice with the greatest adverse impact on the environment is probably traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A billion or more people wanting a traditional herbal or animal product is going to have a detrimental effect on the herb or animal being consumed. There are numerous examples of the adverse effects on the environment from traditional Chinese medicine." The article goes on to take a critical look at the consequences of using rhinoceros horn, tiger parts, bear bile, shark cartilage, Saiga antelope horn, turtles, tortoises, sea horses, Magnolia, Munchurian Ginseng, Dendrobium candidum, licorice and homeopathy. By Mark Crislip MD, Science Based Medicine (27th March 2009)