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ANCIENT TRADITION Contents Traditional Chinese Medicine Chinese Herbal Medicine Tonic Herbs Deer Velvet, a TCM View Traditional Use of Deer Velvet Deer Velvet compared to other Tonic Herbs Stagland Deer Velvet, a Whole Food Supplement Traditional Chinese Medicine Fundamental to the understanding of Chinese medicine is the concept of yin and yang. Basically this principle states that good health involves keeping the body in balance. If there is an unbalance, the role of TCM is to bring the body back into a balanced state. This is achieved with the right foods, herbal tonics and medicine, acupuncture and Qi Gong exercises. The Chinese view the body as being composed of five fundamental organs - Kidney, Liver, Lungs, Spleen and Heart. Though they share the same names, the concept of an organ in Chinese medicine differs from that of Western medicine. The Chinese regard each organ as a system which controls both the physical and mental aspects of our being. Each organ has important functions to perform, and its success is very much dependent on the support given and the control exerted by the other organs. Unbalance occurs when one organ becomes too strong or too weak. The Eastern philosophy on health is centered on prevention, rather than cure. In Ancient China, the physicians taking care of the Emperor's immense household will only get their pay if everyone is healthy. Likewise, it used to be common practice to consult a TCM practitioner when one is well and to take tonic herbs with the express purpose of remaining healthy. This practice is similar to the practice of taking vitamins among Western consumers. Top Chinese Herbal Medicine Over many centuries, the people of Asia have tested virtually every conceivable substance for its nutritive, tonic and medicinal properties. The vast majority of "herbs" used in TCM are derived from the roots, leaves, flowers and fruits of plants. However, sea plants, fish and aquatic creatures, animal parts and by-products, insects, reptiles and mushrooms have all been designated as "herbs" in the practice of TCM. Practically all Chinese herbal medicine used today have survived the test of time. Most of them have been in regular use for over 1,000 years. Likewise, many Chinese patent medicines and formulas have been developed many centuries ago. The Chinese do not believe in testing new products on animals. Instead, Chinese doctors often test these products on themselves before they were used on their patients. Very few new herbal remedies were develop in recent times. Instead, Chinese doctors still refer extensively to the documented works of their predecessors. Chinese medicinal herbs were first classified by the Emperor Shen Nong according to their therapeutic properties and relative safety. 1. Tonic Herbs (also known as Royal or Ruler Herbs) are the highest class of herbs. Tonic herbs are not considered as medicine, rather they are treated as highly nutritious foods. They are completely safe if properly used and can be consumed as often as desired. 2. Minister Herbs are used to correct minor unbalances in the body. These herbs have both medicinal and preventive properties. Though relatively safe, the choice of which herbs to use must be chosen carefully. 3. Assistant Herbs are powerful herbs capable of correcting major unbalances. Most assistant herbs are highly toxic and should not be used unless prescribed by a TCM practitioner. This is the lowest class of herbs and are used only as a last resort. Only a few herbs are used singularly. Most herbal treatments require additional herbs to increase the potency of the primary herbs, to neutralize side effects and to direct the action towards specific organs. Top Tonic Herbs Only a select group of less than a hundred herbs are regarded as tonic herbs. Tonic herbs are "super-foods" which benefit our well-being in ways which the common foods cannot. They have a protective, balancing and vitalizing quality beyond that of ordinary herbs or foods. For centuries, they supply rare and unique nutrients to complement a well-balanced diet. While most tonic herbs are rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, they are especially valued for their bionutrients. Rarely found in foods, these substances benefit the body in special ways. Researchers have found bionutrients in tonic herbs that exhibits anti-aging, memory- enhancing and cholesterol-lowering properties. Some bionutrients are extremely potent antioxidants, others aid in the absorption and utilization of nutrients from foods. Many tonic herbs are adaptogens, substances that help bring the body into a state of balance. This is usually achieved through the stimulation of the body's immune and healing functions. Tonic herbs have the unique ability to adjust its actions to the body's needs. They could act as a stimulant or induce a restful sleep. Herbs that exhibit such properties are rare and are highly prized. The very best tonic herbs provide a broad range of health benefits, but they are definitely not a "cure-all" solution. However, TCM believes that for a type of unbalance, ill health can be manifested in many ways. This means that several seemingly different problems can have the same root cause. Thus, a tonic herb that can help the body overcome this type of unbalance should be of benefit to a number of problems. Today, many important tonic herbs are becoming more readily available to consumers. Ginseng, ganoderma, cordyceps, astragalus, polygonum and dang gui are no longer regarded as exotic remedies. While these herbs have always been available as whole dried herbs, modern consumers prefer to take them as capsules and tablets, tinctures and even as beverages and candies. Quality and quantity of the tonic herbs contained in such products vary widely and the consumer must choose carefully. Top Deer Velvet, a TCM's View Deer velvet is a Kidney and Liver tonic. Deer velvet is regarded as the most potent of all substances that tonify the yang energy of the Kidneys. Deer velvet is an important blood tonic. Deer velvet is also a Shen tonic, i.e. it strengthens the brain functions and improves mental powers. In TCM, the Kidneys are the root of life. They are strongly associated with both vitality and longevity. The Kidneys control the skeleton and all related tissues. Deer velvet is widely used as the primary herb for numerous bone and joint problems. Since the Kidneys control reproduction and fertility, deer velvet is also regarded as a sexual tonic. The Kidneys also give us will and courage. The Liver stores and purify blood, which is similar to the Western view of the liver. In TCM, the Liver also controls the peripheral nervous system, which includes all nerves that emanate from the central nervous system. The Liver nourishes the tendons and ligaments, thus the Liver and the Kidneys play a joint role in maintaining strong skeletal integrity. Finally, strong Liver energy is manifested as creativity, ambition and motivation. Deer velvet has always been used to help build blood and improve circulation. An increase in red blood cells will lead to an increased oxygen uptake on a cellular level, leading to increased energy and vitality. Increased white blood cells is associated with a strong immune system. Improved circulation is also considered to benefit the Heart. Top Traditional Use of Deer Velvet Deer velvet is widely believed in the Orient to strengthen all aspects of a person's life. It has been been used for centuries by men and women, young and old. For people of all ages, deer velvet benefits the bones, joints and muscles. It has strong rejuvenating properties and is often used to help the body recover from injuries. Deer velvet is traditionally used to treat anemia and other blood-related problems. Deer velvet improves vitality and strength. It helps boost the immune system, helping the body resist all types of harmful bacteria and viruses. For children and young people, deer velvet helps in the proper development of bones, teeth and hair. It also strengthens the central nervous system, aids in brain development and sexual maturation. Deer velvet is believed to help children grow to their full potential. Deer velvet helps improve concentration and is often used by Asian students while preparing for examinations. For young adults to middle-aged individuals, deer velvet is often used to support healthy bones and flexible joints. Many bone and joint problems start to manifest themselves as one gets older due to a weakening of the Kidney yang energy. It should be emphasized that there is no easy solution to these problems. The problems develop slowly over time and it often takes time for one to get better. Prevention is always the best option when it comes to your bones and joints. Sexual functions may also be affected and deer velvet can also help. A sexual tonic such as deer velvet is much more than an aphrodisiac. Deer velvet helps fortify sexual functioning, intensifying the pleasure of sexuality and helping eliminate the roots of sexual dysfunction, frustration and anxiety. Deer velvet is not a quick fix solution. Instead, it is first and foremost a tonic to improve overall health. Sexual health comes naturally when one is physically healthy. For the senior members of our society, deer velvet is used to build strength and power. Long-term use of deer velvet helps rebuild deep life force, preserve youthfulness and even reverse aging. In the Orient, longevity is a major goal in life. Tonic herbs are especially valued as potent weapons against the physical and mental effects of aging. Deer velvet, along with panax ginseng and the ganoderma mushroom, are the most popular longevity herbs. Deer velvet is a popular component of numerous Chinese patent medicines. A recent survey showed that these deer velvet products are mostly energy, blood and sexual tonics. Deer velvet can cost as much as better quality ginseng and thus, these products usually contain small quantities of deer velvet combined with other tonic herbs. However, deer velvet can also be used alone. Top Deer Velvet compared to other Tonic Herbs Tonic herbs are extremely valuable substances and are all considered as valuable in their own right. Some tonic herbs are very expensive because they are hard to find or difficult to grow. For an annual harvest of a few kilos of fresh deer velvet, a stag must be kept healthy and strong all year round. Panax ginseng must be at least 6 years old to have some tonic value and it is a very difficult crop to grow. Other tonic herbs are much cheaper, but are still able to deliver immense health benefits. As with all products, prices also depend on quality. The best deer velvet are harvested at the right time from healthy deer. The best wild panax ginseng is much too expensive for most people. Heaven-grade farmed ginseng can still command a very high price. But ginseng that fails to make the grade are often sold at much lower prices for commercial products. Astragalus, a potent immune system booster, and lycium fruits, a natural source of powerful antioxidants, can be consumed regularly without causing a dent in the budget. Aside from deer velvet, other potent Kidney yang tonics include cordyceps (a fungus that grows on caterpillars), gecko lizards and sea dragons (a type of seahorse). Epimedium is the only major Kidney yang tonic of plant origin. Panax ginseng is a highly potent yang herb that benefits the spleen and lungs, while ganoderma provides a wide range of health benefits to most organs. They are both extremely valuable, but the health benefits they provide is different from that of deer velvet and other Kidney yang tonics. By definition, all tonic herbs are extremely safe. Thus, one can always try several tonic herbs at any one time. Tonic herbs are not drugs and one should not expect quick results. However, the result of long-term use is a permanent improvement in health. Be sure to choose the best quality tonic herbs that you can find as inferior herbs will not deliver the expected health benefits. Top Stagland Deer Velvet, a Whole Food Supplement Stagland deer velvet capsule is a whole food supplement, containing 100% pure premium NZ deer velvet powder. While most Western dietary supplements are isolates of individual nutrients, the Chinese have traditionally consume their tonic herbs as a whole food. The entire herb is dried and consumed as a powder, or otherwise extracted whole in alcohol or boiled with other herbs. Whole food supplements are no different from food. They contain all the bioactive components of the original herb or substance. Numerous studies have suggested that the body is better adapted to absorbing nutrients from whole food supplements than from concentrated forms of individual nutrients. That's because whole food supplements, like food, contain a variety of nutrients needed for efficient absorption. Stagland deer velvet is produced using a chemical-free process. No preservative is used or needed as whole dried herbs naturally retain their potency for many years. Top |
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Last Updated: 1 July 2002