Deer antler has many health benefits and is a precious medicinal herb, but don't eat it randomly! Only suitable people should consume deer antler, so make sure to find the right and effective methods of consumption!
【Don't Eat Deer Antler Randomly! Only Suitable People Should Consume Deer Antler】
1. Deer antler is the immature antler of sika deer or red deer before it has ossified. It has the effects of replenishing qi, nourishing blood, eliminating fatigue, and prolonging life. It can treat various deficiencies and is suitable for those with weak constitution, premature aging, and insufficient qi, blood, and essence, especially effective for those with kidney deficiency.
2. Deer antler contains 25 amino acids, various vitamins, etc., which can improve the body's immune function and promote hematopoiesis.
3. However, Chinese medicine believes that deer antler is a hot tonic and is suitable for those with a weak and cold constitution (manifested as aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, cold and painful stomach, etc.). Therefore, the following groups are usually suitable for consumption:
(1) Those who feel cold
People who feel cold often have yang deficiency, and deer antler is a warm tonic that matches the condition.
(2) Middle-aged women
Deer antler can treat gynecological diseases such as uterine cold, irregular menstruation, excessive vaginal discharge, postpartum anemia, and infertility caused by uterine cold.
(3) Those with declining sexual function
Deer antler can restore and promote energy and sexual function. It is mainly used to treat kidney yang deficiency, lumbago, nocturnal emission, frequent urination, etc.
(4) Middle-aged and elderly people
Middle-aged men over 40 and elderly people with poor constitution can consume deer antler to nourish qi and blood, strengthen the heart, promote blood circulation, dissolve stasis, and strengthen bones and tendons.
(5) Over-fatigued young and middle-aged people
Deer antler has the effects of nourishing essence and marrow, enhancing brain function, calming the nerves, and enhancing immune function. It is suitable for those with insufficient essence and blood, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, forgetfulness, spontaneous sweating, and anemia.
(6) Those with ulcers
Deer antler has excellent healing and anti-inflammatory effects and is suitable for skin ulcers caused by various reasons.
【Methods of Consuming Deer Antler】
1. What are the common methods of consuming deer antler?
(1) Soaking deer antler in alcohol
Medicinal liquor is a traditional Chinese method. By soaking the medicine in white wine, the essence of the medicine permeates into the wine, which helps with the circulation of qi and the quick action of the medicine throughout the body. Deer antler can also be soaked in alcohol. Add deer antler slices to white wine with an alcohol content of 50 degrees or above and soak for a period of time before drinking. Other medicinal herbs can also be added as needed. It is important to use fresh slices for better results.
(2) Grinding deer antler into powder
If there is no time to soak in alcohol or make soup, there is another method to solve the problem. That is to grind deer antler into fine powder and take it with alcohol or salt water before going to bed. It is convenient and equally effective.
(3) Cooking with deer antler
Dietary therapy is a great way to strengthen the body, and deer antler is a good ingredient for nourishment. In southern regions, deer antler and other medicinal herbs are added to chicken, duck, goose, or pork and stewed over low heat to make a nourishing soup. Besides making soup, deer antler can also be ground into powder and added to other dishes.
(4) Making herbal porridge
Medicinal porridge for health and dietary therapy has a long history in China. As guided by the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, deer antler and ginseng are used as the main ingredients, combined with other nourishing herbs and rice, and cooked into porridge with appropriate seasonings. It is an ideal dietary therapy method.
(5) Swallowing powdered capsules
Deer antler can be dried and processed into powder, or ready-made deer antler powder can be purchased from a pharmacy. Fill empty capsules with the powder and store them in a sealed container in a cool and ventilated place. Take 1-2 capsules each time, swallow with plain water, or directly put the powder in the mouth and drink with other liquids, porridge, or warm water.
【Different Regions Have Different Methods of Consuming Deer Antler】
(1) In regions south of the Yangtze River and along the southeast coast, take 25-30g of deer antler slices and stew them with chicken (duck, goose, pigeon, lean pork), jujube, or other ingredients in an electric cooker or clay pot for 3-5 hours before consumption. Store the remaining portion for later use.
(2) In regions south of the Yangtze River and along the southeast coast, there is another method to consume deer antler:
Take 5g of deer antler slices (upper, middle, and lower segments combined), 1 red date, 1 slice of ginger, a little rice wine, and put them in a suitable cup. Add half a cup of water, cover it tightly, and steam it in a pot. After the water in the pot boils, switch to low heat and steam for 2-3 hours. Pay attention that if beginners experience dry mouth, red eyes, or accelerated heartbeat, they should stop consuming as it indicates that the body is not suitable for tonics. For those without symptoms, consume once every other day, gradually increasing the dosage to 10g. Note that people with hypertension or heart disease should follow the doctor's advice when consuming.
(3) In northeastern regions, people like to soak 10g of deer antler, 10g of ginseng, 15g of wolfberry, 10g of schisandra, and other Chinese herbal medicines in white wine with an alcohol content of 50 degrees or above for consumption. Alternatively, the antler can be ground into powder and consumed, or mixed with other Chinese herbal medicines and made into capsules for consumption, or sliced and chewed (young people without yang deficiency may experience systemic dryness, nosebleeds, dry lips, and other side effects, so young friends should use it cautiously according to their own conditions).
(4) In Taiwan and other regions, wash and slice fresh deer antler, soak it in 500ml of white wine with an alcohol content of 50 degrees or above for two weeks, and consume 10-25ml three times a day.
