Are all Chinese herbs of plant origin?
While the majority of herbs are from roots, rhizomes, tubers, leaves, flowers, bark, and twigs, the “material medica” of Chinese herbal medicine includes substances of animal and mineral origin as well. Many modern herbalists will not use animal substances such as tiger bone, or rhinoceros horn, any more due to problems with extinction and animal cruelty, but it is always recommended that you ask your herbalist what is being used in your formula.
