A Note About the Deer

Dragon Herbs deer are farmed in Changbai Mountain, and are certified by the Chinese Ministry of Health to be clean and safe. Since the deer are so valuable and the deer antler is essentially a renewable “crop,” deer are highly protected in all Asian countries. They thrive under the conditions established. The antler is cut off the live deer when the antler has developed either two or three branches, yet remains relatively soft (depending on the part of the antler) and covered by “velvet,” usually in the month of June in China.

The Dragon Herbs team has visited the deer farm of our supplier in a beautiful valley on the Western slope of Changbai Mountain, a volcanic region in Manchuria, on many occasions and can testify that the deer are in fantastic health and are well cared-for. The deer are fed their favorite natural diet, including mulberry leaves, their favorite food. The deer are housed in clean open sheds with corrals where they have 24/7 opportunity to move about and eat. They are allowed to run freely in the hills associated with the farm during the day, and at night return to the protected housing where they are kept safe from predators (wolves and large cats).

Because the antlers that do grow into the fall are smaller, the male deer tend to fight considerably less. The life expectancy of the male deer from whom the antler are collected is significantly longer than that of wild deer, who often die as a result of excessive male-with-male libido-driven fighting and from starvation. Far more of the male deer mate as a result of this process, which makes them very happy indeed. Deer are highly valued in the Chinese culture and are respected and loved by their care givers. Deer are considered in Asia to be a "higher order" animal.

Supreme Quality - Different Species, Different Results

Selecting high quality deer antler is an art. There are many sources, grades, cuts and qualities -- and there are counterfeits. The antler plays a major part in male sexual role of the male deer. Larger antlers are produced by deer that are more sexual and this deer antler is more potent. However, size alone will tell you only a little about the quality of a selection of deer antler. Dragon Herbs has used the same established source of deer antler tips for many years.

Deer Antler can have a number of origins. Deer Antler entering the American market may originate in China, Russia, Mongolia, Alaska or New Zealand. All of these places have robust Deer Antler businesses. They all produce excellent deer; however, the quality will differ depending on the processing and the variety of deer.

Sika Deer is considered to be the best deer antler, but it is rare. These are small spotted deer that are natural to northeastern Asia. This kind of deer has been absolutely revered in Asia for its deer antler since ancient times. Over hunting reduced the supply to nearly zero, but they are now humanely farmed in northeastern China and their antler is again available in limited quantities. This deer is also known in China as the "spotted deer" and as the "flower deer," since their white spots are actually shaped like a flower. You will see the Sika deer alongside Shou Lao, the God of Longevity, in old Chinese paintings, and also alongside Magu, the Goddess of Youth and Beauty. The symbolism is obvious. The Sika is a small deer and its antlers are likewise small. But small is not the issue, potency is. These deer are extremely well cared-for. This is the most valuable antler in the world.

Previously, Dragon Herbs only used Sika Deer Antler in its private reserve productions, but now it is available to everyone, so long as it is available each year.

And remember, the tips are by far the most precious and most expensive part of the deer antler. Due to our on-the-ground connections in Asia, we can provide this premium quality Deer Antler at the same price, or lower, than inferior products.

And remember, these deer are protected and live an astounding life. These deer live longer than fully wild deer. They are allowed to roam free during the daytime in local hills and forests, and then they return to their shelter at night where they are fed mulberry leaves, their favorite food. Do not fear for our deer, they have it very good.

Mallow Deer, also known as the "horse deer," is another popular variety of deer from which their antler is harvested. This is the most common variety of deer antler available in China. It is very good (but not as good as Sika deer antler). Mallow deer farms are abundant in northeast China. These very hardy, very large deer (thus the name "horse deer") produce large antlers and therefore are valuable to the farmers on a pound-by-pound basis. These deer are well cared-for.

Red Deer from New Zealand is commonly sold in the U.S. market. New Zealand is a very special place. It is clean and its government keeps it that way. Deer farming is a big industry in New Zealand. Red deer produce quality antler, though not as potent as the antler from Sika or Mallow deer. These deer are very well cared-for. A large number of the New Zealand deer are slaughtered for their meat, which is consumed in Australia and exported overseas. The deer are not nearly as protected in New Zealand as they are in China.

Dragon Herbs has established a permanent relationship with a Sika Deer cooperative in Changbai Mountain. Currently, due to our good fortune, Dragon Herbs only uses Sika Deer to produce all of its Deer Antler products. And from these Sika Deer, we only use tips cut from the last 3/4 inch of the antler to produce Deer Antler Drops.

This is why Dragon Herbs Deer Antler Drops is a unique deer antler product in the American market.