Introduction to Velvet Capsules
Deer velvet is the growing antler of the male deer. It is the whole antler rather than the soft velvet-like hair that covers the antler (from which deer velvet gets its name). The antler is humanely removed after about 55 days of growth. This is when deer velvet is nutritionally at its peak.
Deer velvet is a living tissue, growing up to 2cm/day in some species, and is the only mammalian organ which annually regenerates. Its regenerative properties and rapid growth can perhaps explain some of the powerful health benefits of deer velvet.
Deer velvet has been prized by the Chinese, for over 2,000 years, for its health promoting properties. Traditional Asian usage has focused primarily on two areas: promotion of well being and the prevention of illness.
More recently the western world has become aware of deer velvet and its health benefits.
The blending of ancient knowledge with modern science has now exposed deer velvet as a powerful tool in the promotion of good health and of improved athletic performance.
The traditional functions of deer velvet are many but can be summarized as general body strengthening, healing, promoting blood cell growth, improving the immune system and influencing cardiovascular function. There is no evidence that deer velvet has anti-bacterial or anti-viral activities. Thus velvet does not ‘cure’ by destroying active pathogens. It is best to view deer velvet as a powerful restorer and strengtheners and not as a curative in itself.
The velvet is harvested from male deer in the spring of each year. The removal of the velvet is a painless process and must occur at the optimum time in the velvets lifecycle to ensure maximum health benefits of the product. At VELCAPS, the removal of the antler is performed under a rigorous mandatory system that is endorsed by the NZ Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the NZ Veterinary Association.