Registered Rocky Mountain Elk

Bob and Janet Dahl

Oshkosh  WI 

920-233-0364

What is velvet antler used for?

Velvet antler can boost hormonal activity, increase oxygen uptake to the brain, liver, and kidneys.  It can decrease the rate of muscle fatigue, and promote muscular growth. However, it should not be used, or should be used cautiously, in people with prostrate problems, heart conditions and lupus.  

Research has been conducted in several areas:

Want to know more about velvet antler research?  Visit the WCDEFA website to view the research published by Dr. Craig Broeder.

Tell me more about Velvet Antler...

Elk are well known for their annual growth and display of antler. Antlers are recognized as major features of individual superiority in the wild. In elk farming, antler is also seen as an animal resource of medicinal importance.

The term velvet antler refers to the whole antler as it is humanely harvested from male elk at a particular stage of growth - prior to the onset of hardening and calcification. In the velvet stage, the antler is soft and furry. When harvested in this form, velvet antler is processed through traditional cooking and drying techniques learned from the masters in Korea, China, and Russia. In the Orient, processed antler is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the oldest recorded health systems known, as an ingredient used to promote health and wellness.

Nutritional Support for Arthritis Sufferers

Many of the nutrients found in velvet antler are important for arthritis sufferers. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, essential fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, growth hormones, and growth factors are all vital for growth and maintenance of joints, tissues and synovial fluids. In 1999, velvet antler was scientifically substantiated by research and clinical studies in compliance with FDA regulations to prove that "velvet antler provides nutritional support for joint structure and function" in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other Benefits

Active ingredients found in velvet antler are numerous. They include a variety of minerals, trace elements, protein, fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, growth hormones, and growth factors. These ingredients and their use in the human body are many and varied. Though investigation has only just begun in North America, the list of ailments treated with velvet antler in ancient times is quite lengthy. Some of the most important uses were for treatment of wounds, pain, arthritis, inflammation, stress, miscarriage prevention, and to slow the aging process.

Research

Velvet Antler has been used for centuries in the Orient. According to the Oriental Medical Theory it builds the kidneys, which are the storehouse for the body's deepest and most basic energies. These energies control growth, reproductive functioning, the skeletal system and aspects of circulation and concentration.

There is growing awareness of the benefits of velvet antler for use as a nutritional supplement in North America. More people are becoming convinced of it's significant effects in promoting well-being and relief for conditions affecting aging, circulation, and some pain symptoms, particularly arthritis.

This information was compiled by Fredrick Obey and taken from his article "Velvet Antler: Traditional Medicine Backed By Modern Research." 1994 fall issue of North American Elk magazine.