Deer antler velvet, often just called Deer antler or Deer velvet, is the soft, growing antler of the sika deer, collected before it hardens into bone. In Taoist tonic herbalism it's one of the strongest Jing and Yang tonics, traditionally taken for vitality, libido, strong tendons and bones, and recovery. Human research is still limited, so start with a small amount and check with your practitioner if you're unsure.
SuperFeast Deer Antler Velvet powder is Dรฌ Dร o sourced from Heilongjiang, water extracted, with nothing added.
Reviewed by Ainsley Rose, Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), NHAA member.
Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in far north-east China, where SuperFeast founder Mason visited the deer farm.
Deer velvet benefits and traditional usesย
Vitality and energy. Deer antler is traditionally taken to replenish Jing when you feel depleted, run down or worn out by long, demanding seasons.
Libido and desire. As a warming Yang tonic, deer antler is traditionally taken by men and women to rekindle passion and desire.
Strength, training and recovery. It's popular with people who train hard, and is traditionally taken to support strength, stamina and recovery. Human research on deer antler and training is small and mixed, so this rests mainly on traditional use.
Staying strong with age. In Chinese medicine, deer antler strengthens the sinews and bones and nourishes the marrow. That's why it's long been valued by elders who want to stay strong.
Tonic herbs are one part of the picture. Sleep, food, movement and a calm mind matter just as much.
What is deer antler velvet?
Deer antler velvet is the young antler while it's still growing. At this stage it's soft, full of blood and covered in a fine, velvety skin. It's collected about 60 days into the spring growth cycle, before it hardens into bone.
Deer grow a new set of antlers every year. Researchers have studied antler velvet because it's one of the few mammal tissues that fully regrows each year (Li et al., 2014).
The Song Dynasty herbalist You Zong-shi described it like this:
"Among all the things that contain Blood, flesh grows the fastest, tendons come second, and bones grow the slowest... But the deer's horn is an exception. The horns can grow to over 20 lbs within 2 months... The deer's horn is able to tonify Blood in the bones, strengthen Yang, and nourish marrow."
Deer antler is classed as a tonic herb even though it comes from an animal. In Chinese medicine, tonics include plants, animals and minerals. Deer Antler is one of only two non-vegan products in our range.
Deer antler in Taoist tonic herbalism
In Chinese, deer antler velvet is Lu Rong. It first appears in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the classic Chinese herbal text, and it's one of the most valued longevity tonics in the Taoist tradition.
Deer antler works on the Kidneys and Liver. It's sweet, salty and warm. Its main action is to replenish Yang Jing, the expressive, warming side of our essence, and it also nourishes Yin Jing, Qi, Blood and Shen. The Grand Materia Medica says it "generates Essence, tonifies the Marrow, nourishes the Blood, augments the Yang, strengthens the sinew and bones".
One story of how it was found: Taoist monks living among wild deer noticed how strong and virile the stags were when their new antlers came through. They tried the antler tips themselves and noticed more energy, strength and drive.
Who deer antler velvet suits
Deer antler is a warming Yang tonic. In Chinese medicine it suits people who:
- Tend to feel cold, tired or low in drive
- Feel worn down by hard training, long hours or a demanding season
- Have noticed their libido drop
- Want to stay strong and active as they get older
Who it doesn't suit
- People who run hot, with night sweats, a flushed face or a wired feeling. A Yin-nourishing approach may suit you better.
- Anyone with an acute cold, flu or fever. Wait until it has passed.
- Anyone with a hormone-sensitive condition.
- Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking prescription medication, without checking with their healthcare practitioner first.
- Vegans.
How to take deer antler velvet
- Start small. Mix ยผ teaspoon into 250ml of warm water and drink it straight away.
- Build to the label dose. Take it twice a day, as the label directs.
- Make it taste good. Deer antler is savoury and slightly grainy. It goes well in coffee, cacao and savoury meals like miso or broth.
- Go slowly if you're sensitive. Too much too soon can leave you feeling flushed or dizzy. Ease back if that happens.
Powder extract, capsules or sprays?
| Powdered extract (SuperFeast) | Capsules | Sprays and drops | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What's in it | Water extract of the antler tips | Usually whole dried antler powder | Usually a liquid extract |
| Dose | Adjustable | Fixed per capsule | Small, hard to compare |
| Taste | Savoury, slightly grainy | None | Mild |
| Best for | Daily tonic use in food or drinks | No taste, travel | Check the label closely |
How we source our deer antler
Our deer antler comes from Cervus nippon deer in China's Heilongjiang region. They roam freely, graze on wild oak leaves and are never raised for meat. We work only with independent family farms that give the deer room to roam.
The deer are at least three years old. In spring, at about day 60 of the growth cycle, the velvet is collected under veterinary supervision and sedation. The deer are checked over the following days and returned to roam for the rest of the year, and the velvet grows back the next spring.
We use only the tips of the antler, where the velvet is soft, oily and richest. Many cheaper products use the lower, tougher part. The velvet is freeze-dried, sliced and water extracted following the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, as a full-spectrum extract with no standardisation, fillers or additives.
See the farm for yourself in Deer Antler Farm: SuperFeast Adventures in China.
Mason Taylor at the SuperFeast deer antler farm.
Deer antler velvet FAQs
What is deer antler velvet good for?
In Taoist tonic herbalism, deer antler velvet is used to replenish Jing and Yang, which shows up as energy, libido, strength and recovery. It's one of the most valued herbs for staying strong with age.
How do I take deer antler velvet powder?
Mix ยผ teaspoon into 250ml of warm water and drink it straight away, twice a day. It also stirs into coffee, cacao or broth.
How long does deer antler velvet take to work?
Deer antler is a tonic, so people usually judge it after several weeks of daily use rather than a few days.
Is deer antler velvet ethical? Does it hurt the deer?
Deer grow a new set of antlers every year, so no deer is killed to collect the velvet. Ours is collected under veterinary supervision and sedation, from deer that roam freely and are never raised for meat.
Who shouldn't take deer antler velvet?
Avoid it during an acute cold, flu or fever, or if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or tend to run hot. Check with your healthcare practitioner first if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medication.
Can I buy deer antler velvet in Australia?
Yes, we ship Australia-wide from Mullumbimby, NSW. Click here: Deer Antler Velvet powder
Resources
- Bensky, D., Clavey, S. & Stรถger, E. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd edition. Eastland Press.
- Li, C. et al. (2014). The contribution of deer velvet antler research to the modern biological medicine. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine.
- Teeguarden, R. (1998). The Ancient Wisdom of the Chinese Tonic Herbs. Warner Books.
- Tierra, M. (1999). The Way of Chinese Herbs.
