Buck Up Your Health: The Ancient Anti-Aging Secret of Deer Antler Glue

Picture a misty woodland in ancient China, where deer roam gracefully through the tranquil landscape. In this serene setting lies a powerful secret revered for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—deer antler glue, or Lu Jiao Jiao (鹿角膠). Far more than a symbol of longevity and vitality, deer hold within their antlers a time-honored remedy believed to support aging, sexual wellness, and overall well-being.

Deer antler glue (aka deer antler gelatin, deer antler velvet) has been used in folk medicine for at least 2,000 years. Today, Lu Jiao Jiao remains one of the most popular go-to tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency, especially for the organ system that controls a healthy aging process: the Kidneys. 

Observing Deer In Nature: The Doctrine of Signatures

Centuries ago, Chinese philosophers, scholars, and physicians (often one and the same) meticulously observed the natural world, seeking patterns that mirror human health. This practice, known as the Doctrine of Signatures, suggested that the characteristics of natural substances reflected their therapeutic potential. The deer, known for its vitality, endurance, and reproductive strength, became a natural symbol of vigor. Scholars noted that the regrowth of a deer’s antlers — a unique regenerative ability — mirrored the body’s ability to rejuvenate and heal. This observation led to the belief that consuming deer antler glue could impart similar qualities of strength, stamina, and longevity to humans.

Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) in TCM: Properties and Benefits

Deer antler glue is a Kidney Yang tonic. In TCM theory, Kidney Yang represents the crucial aspect of vitality and energy. The Kidneys in TCM are considered the storehouse of Jing, the essence of life that governs growth, reproduction, and longevity. TCM considers the Kidney organ system as the seat of sexual wellness. However, as we age, Kidney Yang naturally declines, leading to symptoms such as:

• Fatigue and low energy
• Cold intolerance (especially in the lower back and extremities)
• Sexual dysfunction and low libido
• Frequent urination or nighttime urination
• Lower back and knee weakness
• Poor circulation

Without sufficient Kidney Yang, your quality of life diminishes. You may struggle with motivation, experience emotional exhaustion, and feel a sense of diminished drive. Lu Jiao Jiao provides a warming, invigorating boost to restore balance. It can help rekindle the internal fire that supports your physical and mental well-being.

Deer Antler Glue for Women’s Health and Sexual Wellness

While often associated with male vitality, deer antler glue is equally beneficial for women’s health. This is why it’s a key ingredient in the most popular herbal supplement used by women in China to maintain overall health. Wu Ji Bai Feng Pian (LadiesTonic) replenishes the body’s circulating energy force (Qi), and nourishes the blood for normal menstrual cycle support.

In TCM, irregular menstruation and infertility are frequently linked to Kidney deficiencies. This is why Lu Jiao Jiao’s ability to nourish Kidney Yang and Jing also makes it a sought-after remedy for:

• Supporting reproductive health
• Supporting energy levels and stamina
• Supporting sexual desire and function

In addition to LadiesTonic, Deer Antler is also featured in the potent Yang-nourishing formula, YanVive Plus. If you have any of the manifestations of Kidney Yang Deficiency above, learn more about how YanVive Plus and other Yang tonics from ActiveHerb may help here.

Historical Context: A Timeless Remedy

Deer antler glue has been documented in classic TCM texts such as the “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” (神农本草经), one of the earliest known pharmacological works in Chinese history. The famous physician Li Shizhen, author of the “Compendium of Materia Medica” (本草经), praised its ability to fortify the bones, nourish the blood, and replenish depleted Qi and Jing.

In the modern era, some herbalists consider Lu Jiao Jiao an adaptogenic substance. This means that as an adaptogen, it helps the body adapt to stress in a broad-acting way. By supporting balance in the organ systems, adaptogens such as Lu Jiao Jiao may boost endurance and support overall vitality.

Preliminary research on deer antler supports its ancient uses. For instance, a 2022 study published in Nutrients concludes that deer antler peptides (DAPs) “show promising potential as a natural therapeutic aid. DAPs have been found to support vitality, strengthen bones, and contribute positively to…various health conditions due to their pharmacological properties.” However, despite their potential benefits, the researchers acknowledge that more research is needed to standardize production methods. 

How Is Deer Antler Glue Processed?

Traditionally, Lu Jiao Jiao is prepared by boiling and concentrating the antler into a gelatinous substance rich in nutrients. Modern processing techniques maintain the integrity of the bioactive compounds while ensuring purity and safety. High-quality deer antler glue is free from additives and tested for potency, offering a reliable source of this age-old remedy.

Experience the Power of Lu Jiao Jiao

Whether you’re seeking to enhance energy levels, support reproductive health, or maintain youthful vigor, deer antler glue offers a natural, time-tested solution rooted in ancient wisdom.

Lu Jiao Jiao extract granules are available from ActiveHerb.com. Each 100-gram bottle contains 67 servings, with each serving providing over 1 gram of deer antler gelatin. The bottle comes with a scoop. Simply add a scoop to hot water and stir in the granules for instant deer velvet herbal tea or add to yogurt, cereal, ice cream, etc.

Have you used Lu Jiao Jiao/deer velvet to support your wellness goals? Share your thoughts with the ActiveHerb community below.