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Deer antler velvet comes from the re-grown antlers of male deer. Each year, the male deer grows a new set of antlers. The stage at which they resemble soft velvety fur is when they are cultivated for their use as an energy and vitality booster.

In New Zealand, deer are raised and allowed to graze without the use of any synthetic enhancers. The antlers are exported to the United States and Asia in abundance each year.

What does it do?

Deer antler velvet is also being promoted as a stamina enhancer in those who use it regularly. It is being promoted to have tonic properties. This means it can help the body adapt to certain stressors such as:

* Heat
* Cold
* Exertion
* Trauma
* Sleep deprivation
* Toxic exposure
* Radiation
* Infection
* Psychological stress

Adaptogens such as deer antler velvet generally do not have negative side effects. They are effective in treating many illnesses and in helping the human body return to a more balanced existence. By helping to build the immune system, deer antler velvet can aid in the prevention of illness, disease and infection.

Modern lab studies are revealing that deer antler velvet contains many nutrients that aid in more than building the immune system. They also help the body to repair tissues and perform other cellular activities that contribute to vitality and higher energy levels.

Other Uses

The Japanese have used deer antler velvet for years in treating male sexual dysfunction. Chinese medical practitioners have prescribed it to men for impotence and to women for infertility and frigidity. In the United States, it is promoted as a sexual energy booster and an aphrodisiac. Studies are ongoing to determine if these are legitimate claims. Other studies are building evidence that deer antler velvet may also be helpful in:

* Cancer prevention
* Drug addiction support
* Immune system support
* Liver protection
* Osteoporosis treatment
* Pain control
* Sports performance

Deer antler velvet, which has been found to contain cartilage, is also being studied for it effectiveness in treating arthritis. It is being promoted as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. This is usually caused by physical injury or is a result of the aging process. The main cause of osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Joints that are usually most affected are in the hands, knees, back and hips.

Recent studies are showing that deer antler velvet contains nutrients that are important to the immune system and the joints. Some of these include calcium, phosphorus, prostaglandins, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate.

In patients suffering from osteoarthritis, the administration of deer antler velvet has led to reduced joint pain at three and six month intervals. It has proven to be safe to take in conjunction with prescription arthritis medications.

As with any natural or herbal product, quality is the key to finding a good and helpful source of deer antler velvet. Because it is not a synthetic product, quality and effectiveness may vary between batches and suppliers.

Is it safe?

Aside from the occasional allergic reaction, deer antler velvet does not seem to cause many obvious or immediate side effects. The biggest concern stems from the use of tranquilizers and anesthetics during the removal of the antlers from the deer. One substance used is xylazine, a known carcinogenic. Safety has also not been established for use by children, pregnant and nursing women, and people with severe kidney or liver disease.

Deer antler velvet is being tested for many uses in promoting vitality and energy. It is also being researched as a key nutritional and pharmaceutical product for building, strengthening and maintaining the immune system. As a natural product, deer antler velvet promises many potential benefits with a low level of risk and complication for the user.