What is tiger bone? What is it used for? Tiger bone comes from
the tiger (panthera tigris L.), which is found throughout Africa
and some parts of Asia, and is becoming increasingly rare
worldwide. Tiger bone is yellowish-white in appearance, with a
hollow, sponge-like interior. Typically, the tiger's leg bones
are used as a medicinal. The bones are harvested after a tiger
is captured and killed, then dried in the shade and ground into
a powder. Tiger bone may also be soaked in wine before being
powdered. According to the principles of traditional Chinese
medicine, tiger bone has pungent and warm properties, and is
associated with the Liver and Kidney meridians. Its main
functions are to dispel wind and dampness, and to strengthen the
bones and tendons. Tiger bone is often employed to treat
rheumatic pain, along with back pain, muscle spasms and joint
problems. Tiger bone is sometimes used with other products, such
as rehmannia root, cyathula and acanthopanax. How much tiger
bone should I take? The typical dos