THE DECISIONS BEHIND HAVING DEER ANTLER IN THE SUPERFEAST APOTHECARY
🌿Mason (founder of SuperFeast) didn’t make the decision to include deer antler velvet, an animal herb that requires human intervention, into the SuperFeast apothecary lightly. We understand that working with animal herbs can be confronting or new for some people, especially vegans, and that is why we share as much as possible about our methods and intention, and also invite questions and conversation for those of you who are interested in deer antler while wanting to ensure we are sourcing respectfully and responsibly.
🌿In practicing true tonic herbalism and serving the health intentions of our community, it became evident years ago that it was the correct path for SuperFeast. Many people think deer antler is a superficial herb and therefore can’t justify using it (e.g. thinking it’s used purely for jacking up muscles, gainzzzz and testosterone) however this is a reductionist (and very misled) perception of what this extraordinary herb offers and is used for.
🌿SuperFeasters use it when their sex hormones are completely wiped out and when their Jing is completely spent, so much so, that plant herbs just can’t get them back to their foundation of health. Likewise, we use deer antler to support deep intentions of skeletal/tendon and endocrine longevity, as well as when we’re maintaining herbs in our diet that will continuously build Blood and therefore stabilise our Shen/Spirit/mind; yep, deer antler is a wonderful herb for supporting the Shen and bringing focus to one’s meditative practice (according to Taoist lore and our personal experience). Jing and Blood are the anchor of Spirit (Shen) in the Taoist worldview; if our Jing and Blood are weak, or exhausted, our Spirit becomes disturbed. This can result in psychological issues like depression, and can also cause one to become overly attached to ideology. Strong Shen will lead to a happy, balanced human, clear thought processes and strong intuition.
🌿We love deer antler as a super potent libido-supporting herb (it’s a powerful Yang tonic) and for its ability to restore and nourish both female and male sex hormones.
Within the body, it acts a