Buzz
A month ago, approximately one million cockroaches—this being a “conservative estimate”—escaped from a roach farm in Jiangsu province, China, following an act of vandalism that destroyed their breeding facility.
A million cockroaches, or perhaps even more, roaming freely and doing as they please. It's unsettling! If I spot even one, I feel like the world is about to end. But why would anyone want to house a million of these creatures?
The reason is simple: some people believe they hold medicinal value. Years ago, Dr. Li Shunan, a physician and professor of medicine, traveled through the Dali area of Yunnan province, where he met elderly locals who used cockroaches to treat tuberculosis. They would crush the exoskeletons into powder, mix it with oil, and apply the concoction either orally or topically.
In modern times, 'roach powder' is highly sought after by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, used to treat ailments like 'blood stasis,' wounds, broken bones, cirrhosis, and even cancer. Some claim it also helps preserve a youthful appearance. The demand for the powder has created a booming industry, priced at nearly $90 per pound. Roach farms are springing up across the country to meet the demand, which wild-caught cockroaches can’t satisfy on their own.
Starting a roach farm isn’t difficult. Unlike cattle, they require much less space. One Chinese guide even suggests that you can set up a roach ranch in your bathroom or balcony with plenty of room left over. However, you should be prepared for the occasional escape of your ‘livestock.’
