Yes, you read that right. $228,000. In most places that would buy you a nice small house. In Vancouver you can’t even get a tiny condo for that. But still, you could get rid of a good chunk of mortgage! 

Rhino Horn Sold at Auction by Maynard’s

The 19th century rhino horn sold at auction in Vancouver on November 21st to buyers who the vendor thinks will grind it up into powder to sell it as medicine. It is legal because the horn is believed to be from the early part of the 1900s, and the ban on sale is for any 1975 or newer because of the endangered species status of rhinos. 

I have no problem with the sale of the horn. But, if it’s sold as medicine, I feel that that perpetuates the idea that this “herb” is valuable beyond the value of other more ethical and useful herbs. It’s pricey, not because it is more effective, but because it is rare. It’s rare because we made it rare by killing off en masse nearly a whole precious species of animals. 

Traditionally, rhino horn was used to stave off fevers and get rid of toxins, though there is folklore that it is an aphrodisiac. It may help with fevers and toxins, but many other herbs also do this. It is not an effective aphrodisiac. Unless, perhaps, you believe it is. But, sex is largely guided by your thoughts anyway, so a shoe can do that too, for some. I’ve written in a past article in 24 Hours Vancouver (Rhino Horns Don’t Work) what I think about rhino horn (and other unethical herbs).

If you are looking for effective medicines to help treat illness and disease or to help you stay healthy, spend your money wisely and choose quality products with informed and ethical practitioners.

I’m quoted in today’s Vancouver Sun article: rhino horn sold at auction in Vancouver.