For more than 2,000 years, traditional Chinese herbalists have valued antler velvet—the early growth stage of deer antler, which regenerates naturally every year. This restorative tonic was traditionally renowned for its ability to promote balance, strength, and an overall feeling of well-being.
Now Planetary Formulas offers you Full Spectrum™ Antler Velvet, a combination of velvet from New Zealand elk and deer. Full Spectrum™ Antler Velvet is harvested humanely in accordance with the standards of national animal welfare and veterinary associations.
Traditional Asian Tonic
Unlike the horns of cattle or sheep, which grow throughout the life of the animal, the antlers of deer and elk are grown new every spring and then cast off. For thousands of years, traditional Asian herbalists have harvested antler growth in the early stage, before it hardens into bone.
Antler velvet, as this naturally regenerated, early-stage growth is known, has been prized in traditional Chinese herbalism, as well as in countries including Korea, Russia and Japan. Used predominantly as a vitalizing tonic, its traditional uses have also included reducing the negative effects of stress, improving mental function and improving circulation.
Humane Harvesting
Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum™ Antler Velvet utilizes deer and elk velvet from New Zealand. The velvet is specially harvested by a veterinarian or a trained and certified farmer, then frozen within three hours of removal until ready to be processed into tablets.
Full Spectrum™ Antler Velvet is harvested approximately eight weeks after the antlers begin their growth cycle—the time when velvet contains the greatest amount of nutrients to support rapid growth. Antler removal is regulated under a code developed by the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee of New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with specialist veterinarians, animal welfare organizations and animal behavior specialists. The National Velveting Standards Body audits animal welfare standards and ensures that analgesic removal methods are used so that the process is not painful to the animals. Most important, harvesting antler velvet preserves the herds, in contrast to the common practice of killing the animals for meat, hides or trophies.
Rich in Nutrients
At the time of harvesting, antler velvet is rich in nutrients. These include: the minerals calcium, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorous, sulfur, sodium and potassium and the trace minerals iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. In addition, antler velvet supplies growth factor 1, phospholipids, glycoplipids, collagen and small amounts of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, all of which support the skeletal system.
Combining Tradition and Modern Science
Like the rest of the Planetary Formulas herbal product line, Full Spectrum™ Antler Velvet combines the wisdom of traditional herbalism with the advances of modern technology. The result: supplements you can count on to deliver the benefits you are seeking from an herbal product.
References:
• Chang, H.M., But, P.P.H. 1987. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica, 2:1125-1127. Singapore: World Scientific.
• Church, J. 1998. Velvet antler: its historical, medical use, performance enhancing effects and pharmacology. Calgary: Elk Tech Int.
• Hsu, H.Y. 1986. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Long Beach: Oriental Healing Arts Institute.
• Pharmacopoeia Commission of the Ministry of Public Health of PRC. 1997. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong: Chemical Industry Press.
• Pharmacopoeia Commission of the Ministry of Public Health of PRC. 1988. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong: Chemical Industry Press |
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