Dragon Herbs (168)

Deer Antler Drops   Deer Antler is considered to be one of the "big three" ultimate “herbs” (dietary supplements) of China - Ginseng, Reishi Mushroom and Deer Antler. All three are tonic herbs that have been used since pre-historic times to prolong life, improve energy, to protect the body and to promote wisdom. They are not used to treat any kind of ailment, but to support normal healthy life functions so as to promote wellbeing and longevity. Deer Antler is a Yang Jing herb, but it also tonifies Yin Jing, Qi, Blood and Shen. It therefore tonifies all three Treasures.    Deer Antler contains mucopolysaccharides that promote the regeneration the antler tissue in the deer. This same substance supports regeneration of tissue to those who consume it.   Deer Antler extract is considered to be the most powerful Yang tonic dietary supplement and is usually the main herb in any formula in which it is included. Deer Antler is used by athletes to support muscular strength. Deer Antler extract consumed as a dietary supplement supports the human in vivo production of IGF-1, a vital substance closely related to human growth hormone that regulates metabolism and hormone functions.    Deer Antler extract is used to support the skeletal structure, especially the back and knees. Deer Antler helps support cartilage and joint function.   As a dietary supplement that supports neurological functions, Deer Antler extract is also widely used to support mental power.     Deer antler has also been demonstrated to support cardiovascular function.    Deer Antler extract contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance, also produced in the human body, that maintains elasticity of the skin and connective tissue.    Deer Antler is also well known as a sexual tonic for both men and women. Deer Antler is suitable to both men and women, though men will generally consume Deer Antler in larger quantities. It is a Yang tonic that helps restore sexual vigor and performance for decreased sexual function associated with aging.   Why Dragon Herbs Deer Antler Drops is Unique   Dragon Herbs Deer Antler is a unique product in the U.S. market. There are dozens of other “deer velvet” products available, but Dragon Herbs Deer Antler Drops is the ONLY product made ENTIRELY from Deer Antler tips. What does that mean? And what does that mean for you?   Deer Antler grows from its “tips.” As it grows, the soft body of the antler hardens, while the growing tip remains soft and bio-chemically rich. It is just like the fresh leaves at the tip of a growing plant. It has been estimated that 90% of the biologically active constituents of the ENTIRE antler is contained in just the last inch of the antler, known as the "tip," even if the antler is 18 inches long. The tip of the antler is of course more expensive than the lower parts of the antler, because those deep into the trade know that this is the most valuable part. This has been true for a thousand years. However, since the tip contains most of the active constituents of the entire antler, it is in fact a fabulous value. It may cost three times as much, but it is at least 10 times as potent. Again, Dragon Herbs ONLY uses tips (the soft last inch of the deer antler) to make its Deer Antler products, including Deer Antler Drops. We never use the "middles" or "bottoms" of the antler since these parts are hardened, dry and lack the chemical components that make Deer Antler biologically active in humans.    Unfortunately for consumers, other companies are now putting the word “tips” on their description of deer antler. They are doing this in response to Dragon Herbs educating the public about the differences in deer antler products. However, they show no evidence of actually using tips.     A deer antler, as sold in a Chinese herb shop, is divided into three divisions, tips, middles and bottoms.  That part growing closest to the end, usually the last inch of each branch of the antler, is called the tip.  The segment from that beginning of the tip to the fork of the antler is called the middle and the main trunk of the antler is called the bottom. All three segments of the deer antler are used in Chinese tonic herbalism. The bottoms, because they are the largest segment, are most commonly available and most widely used in commercial products. The middles and tips are generally only available in herb shops, except in rare products that feature these segments.    A Note about the Deer   Dragon Herbs deer are farmed in Changbai Mountain, and are certified by the Chinese Ministry of Health to be clean and safe. Since the deer are so valuable and since deer antler is essentially a renewable “crop,” deer are highly protected in all Asian countries. They thrive under the conditions established. The antler is cut off the live deer when the antler has developed either two or three branches, yet remains relatively soft (depending on the part of the antler) and covered by “velvet,” usually in the month of June in China.   The Dragon Herbs team has visited the deer farm of our supplier in a beautiful valley on the Western slope of Changbai Mountain, a volcanic region in Manchuria, on many occasions and can testify that the deer are in fantastic health and are well cared-for. The deer are fed their favorite natural diet, including mulberry leaves, their favorite food. The deer are housed in clean  open sheds with corrals where they have 24/7 opportunity to move about and eat. They are allowed to run freely in the hills associated with the farm during the day, and at night return to the protected housing where they are kept safe from predators (wolves and large cats).    The deer used by Dragon Herbs are NOT killed to harvest their antlers. The antlers are humanely and painlessly collected from male deer in the early summer – when the antler is about six weeks old and still covered in a coat of “velvet” – females do not produce antler, except for elk, which Dragon Herbs does not use. After this harvesting, the deer then grow new antlers as the season progresses and this second set of antler is not harvested. Because the antlers that do grow into the fall are smaller, the male deer tend to fight considerably less. The life expectancy of the male deer from whom the antler are collected is significantly longer than that of wild deer, who often die as a result of excessive male-with-male libido-driven fighting and from starvation. Far more of the male deer mate as a result of this process, which makes them very happy indeed. Deer are highly valued in the Chinese culture and are respected and loved by their care givers. Deer are considered in Asia to be a “higher order” animal.   Quality - Different Species, Different Results   Selecting high quality deer antler is an art. There are many sources, grades, cuts and qualities --- and there are counterfeits. The antler plays a major part in male sexual role of the male deer. Larger antlers are produced by deer that are more sexual and this deer antler is more potent. However, size alone will tell you only a little about the quality of a selection of deer antler. Dragon Herbs has used the same established source of deer antler tips for many years.   Deer Antler can have a number of origins. Deer Antler entering the American market may originate in China, Russia, Mongolia, Alaska or New Zealand. All of these places have robust Deer Antler businesses. They all produce excellent deer; however, the quality will differ depending on the processing and the variety of deer.    Sika Deer is considered to be the best deer antler, but it is rare. These are small spotted deer that are natural to northeastern Asia. This kind of deer has been absolutely revered in Asia for its deer antler since ancient times. Over hunting reduced the supply to nearly zero, but they are now humanely farmed in northeastern China and their antler is again available in limited quantities. This deer is also known in China as the “spotted deer” and as the “flower deer,” since their white spots are actually shaped like a flower. You will see the Sika deer alongside Shou Lao, the God of Longevity, in old Chinese paintings, and also alongside Magu, the Goddess of Youth and Beauty. The symbolism is obvious. The Sika is a small deer and its antlers are likewise small. But small is not the issue, potency is. These deer are extremely well cared-for. This is the most valuable antler in the world.   Previously, Dragon Herbs only used Sika Deer Antler in its private reserve productions, but now it is available to everyone, so long as it is available each year.    And remember, the tips are by far the most precious and most expensive part of the deer antler. Due to our on-the-ground connections in Asia, we can provide this premium quality Deer Antler at the same price, or lower, than inferior products.   And remember, these deer are protected and live an astounding life. These deer live longer than fully wild deer. They are allowed to roam free during the daytime in local hills and forests, and then they return to their shelter at night where they are fed mulberry leaves, their favorite food. Do not fear for our deer, they have it very good.   Mallow Deer, also known as the “horse deer,” is another popular variety of deer from which their antler is harvested. This is the most common variety of deer antler available in China. It is very good (but not as good as Sika deer antler). Mallow deer farms are abundant in northeast China. These very hardy, very large deer (thus the name “horse deer”) produce large antlers and therefore are valuable to the farmers on a pound-by-pound basis. These deer are well cared-for.   Red Deer from New Zealand is commonly sold in the U.S. market. New Zealand is a very special place. It is clean and its government keeps it that way. Deer farming is a big industry in New Zealand. Red deer produce quality antler, though not as potent as the antler from Sika or Mallow deer. These deer are very well cared-for. A large number of the New Zealand deer are slaughtered for their meat, which is consumed in Australia and exported overseas. The deer are not nearly as protected in New Zealand as they are in China.   Dragon Herbs has established a permanent relationship with a Sika Deer cooperative in Changbai Mountain. Currently, due to our good fortune, Dragon Herbs only uses Sika Deer to produce all of its Deer Antler products, including Deer Antler Drops. And from these Sika Deer, we only use tips cut from the last ¾ inch of the antler.   This is why Dragon Herbs Deer Antler Drops is a unique deer antler product in the American market.    Primary Functions:  To tonify the Kidney Qi and fortify Yang.  Also tonic to Yin Jing and Blood, and supporting to the sinews and bones. Supports the heart and mind.   Treasures: Jing (Yin and Yang), Qi (especially Blood) and Shen   Atmospheric Energy: Warm   Taste: Sweet and salty   Channel Associations: Liver and Kidneys. Also tonifies the Heart and Brain, and the Governing, Conception, Penetrating and Belt Channels of the Extraordinary Channels system.   Uses   Deer Antler is the most precious and the most potent of the substances that fortify the yang energy of the Kidney. Deer antler is widely used in Asia, and now throughout the world, to support adrenal, reproductive and brain functions. It is universally believed in the Orient to support sexual strength and to support virility and fertility. In the highly regarded tenth century Taoist manual on health and sexual conduct, The Essence of Medical Prescriptions, compiled by a Chinese physician living in Japan by the name of TambaYasuyori, it was said that:    “There is nothing better than deer antler to cause a man to be robust and unaffected by age, not to tire in the bedroom, and not to deteriorate either in energy or in facial coloration.”   Deer antler is commonly used in combination with most of the major Qi tonic herbs such as Ginseng and Astragalus, and with all of the major Yin and Yang Jing-building herbs such as Goji Berry, Morinda root, He Shou Wu, Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed), Schizandra, Mountain Ant, etc.   Although deer antler has always been used to help build blood and support blood circulation, modern research has supported deer antler’s reputation as a heart tonic. Particularly the alcohol extract of deer antler is consumed for this purpose. Deer antler is tonic to the marrow, which produces blood. Marrow tends to degenerate as we age and deer antler is believed to support marrow maintenance. This may be a major aspect of deer antler’s youth preserving ability.   Consistent long-term use is believed to re-build deep life force, preserve youthfulness and to enhance longevity.     Scientific Knowledge   Deer antler is a rare type of organ in the higher animal kingdom. It is one of the few complex organ structures which regenerates in an annual rhythm and which will regenerate if shed, cut or broken off. This regenerative power is what has most intrigued scientists in recent years, just as it has the Asian people through the ages.     Studies conducted in Europe indicate that the ability to regenerate is partially due to the rich supply of substances known as ectosaponins. These complex chemical agents are found more abundantly in lower animals, in which the ectosaponins cause a wide variety of tissues to regenerate. The ectosaponin in deer antler is very similar to ectosaponins found at the tail bases of many lizards, such as the Gecko lizard, and in the legs of star fish. If the tale is broken off a Gecko or similar lizard or the appendages broken off a starfish, these appendages re-grow --- bone, connective tissue, nerves, blood vessels, flesh and all (no bones in star fishes). The ectosaponins extracted from deer antler, as well as from Gecko and star fish all have shown remarkable regenerative effects on all types of tissue, including nerve tissue, which generally does not regenerate significantly.    Research indicates that moderate doses of the alcohol extract of deer antler supports cardiovascular function by helping to support cardio-regulatory mechanisms, and by supporting circulation.     Numerous studies done in China, Japan, Russia and Korea have shown that deer antler supports muscular and mental endurance, supports sleep and supports normal appetite. Deer antler has been shown to support the oxygen uptake of the brain, liver and kidneys in laboratory animals. It also supports red and white blood cell production in laboratory animals.     Deer antler extract provides minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients.     Deer antler supports insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 functions in the human body.    •           IGF-1 supports immune functions •           IGF-1 supports muscular the metabolic functions that provide strength and endurance •           IGF-1 supports normal growth •           IGF-1 supports cardiovascular functioning •           IGF-1 supports sleep functions •           IGF-1 supports eyesight, including night vision.*   Traditional Function: Reinforcing Kidney Yang, tonifies Yin Jing, tonifies blood*   Who can use it? Those who wish to increase primal Yang energy   Concentration: 4:1   Specifications: 2 fl. oz.   Ingredients: Deer Antler tips.   Other Ingredients: water, alcohol.   Usage: 3-12 droppers per day or as directed by your health care practitioner.   Remember Ron Teeguarden’s “First Rule of Tonic Herbalism,” summed up in a single word – Compliance. If you don’t take the herbs, they won’t work.”