💠The Materia Medica by Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (penned more than 2,000 thousand years ago), wrote about the potent benefits of deer antler, and its ability to nourish the Yin (albeit in small amounts), and greatly tonify the Yang, tonify the Kidney Essence, invigorate the spleen, strengthen bones and muscles, and promote blood flow.
🌀Traditionally this herb has been considered an intensely invigorating tonic for the Kidneys and Liver that embodies the youthful male growth of the stag. This growth potential in the young antler means that the antler is not yet fully expressed, and with it being very well supplied with blood, the herb can also benefit the Yin (accumulative, physical essence), as well as the Yang (expressive, functional, genetically expressing Essence). For this reason it can not only fortify the primal Yang, but also generate Essence, along with supporting healing of wounds and degenerating flesh, and augmenting the marrow. Hence it is seen as one of the most treasured longevity substances in existence by the Taoists.
💠It was said in the Grand Materia Medica that it “generates Essence, tonifies the Marrow, nourishes the Blood, augments the Yang, strengthens the sinew and bones. Treats all Deficiency damage.”
In China, this herb has been extensively used to treat a variety of diseases and in terms of tonifying Yang Jing, deer antler (alongside eucommia bark) has been considered one of the most precious and revered substances. For centuries, deer antler has been very widely utilised to increase Qi flow via building of Blood and support of the kidneys Essence, thus positively affecting the adrenals and helping restore overall vitality and healing. Used as an aphrodisiac, to aid Kidney Deficiencies, to strengthen the adrenal glands, to improve virility and support reproductive function were all commonly employed by the Taoists.
🌀
General clinical signs of Deficiency where deer antler may help: weak body, cold extremities, infertility, impotence, sore lower back, knees or limbs, loss of hearing, frequent urination, poor growth/development in young. There are many more intricate symptoms, developmental issues and dis-ease that deer antler is indicated