BEIJING: In a strange twist of fate, what is regarded as rubbish by millions, human fingernails are being utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, generating a new market where one kilogram of fingernails can sell for as high as 150 yuan (around 6,000 Pakistani rupees or $20 USD).
Medicinal Use of Nails
Based on traditional Chinese medicine experts, human nails are said to be used to cure many conditions ranging from child bloating to tonsillitis. Pharmaceutical firms in China are said to be purchasing nails from schools and rural areas to this end.
Once the nails have been gathered, they are cleaned, dried, and then crushed into a fine powder, which is then mixed with medication preparations.
Limited Supply Increases Value
Analysts estimate that the average adult only grows around 100 grams of nails in a year, so it is not easy to harvest quantities. This shortage has pushed the value of nails up on the market.
Real-Life Example
There was a report in Chinese media of a woman in Hebei province who sold fingernails that she had been accumulating since she was a child. She sold them online for 150 yuan per kilogram and managed to turn a profit.
Historical Background
The application of nails in traditional medicine started to falter in the 1960s, primarily because of the extensive use of nail polish, which tainted the nails. Consequently, substitutes were discovered. Nevertheless, nails have never entirely been excluded, and nowadays, there is a renewed demand.
Strict Conditions for Sale
Pharmaceutical firms made it clear:
Only fingernails are accepted, toenails are rejected
Nails are thoroughly checked for removal of polish or chemical residue
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Is This an Actual Business Opportunity?
Although strange, the trend is quite real in China. However, any person wanting to venture into this niche business would have to:
Gather nails hygienically and in bulk
Adhere to strict hygiene requirements
Potentially acquire legal permits to trade human-derived material
Link with TCM manufacturers or exporters
