Evidence supporting the use of: Deer Velvet
For the health condition: Adrenal Fatigue
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Deer velvet has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other East Asian medical systems. It is derived from the soft, growing antlers of deer and has been valued as a tonic for vitality, strength, and longevity. In TCM, deer velvet is believed to nourish the kidney and yang energies—concepts that are sometimes loosely associated with adrenal function in Western alternative medicine. The use of deer velvet for “adrenal fatigue” specifically, however, is not rooted in TCM texts, as the term “adrenal fatigue” is a modern, non-medical diagnosis primarily used in alternative health circles to describe a collection of nonspecific symptoms (such as fatigue, body aches, and sleep disturbances) allegedly linked to chronic stress and suboptimal adrenal function.
Scientific evidence directly supporting deer velvet for adrenal fatigue is lacking. There are a few studies on deer velvet suggesting possible effects on immune function, physical performance, and recovery, but none focus on adrenal health or the syndrome termed “adrenal fatigue.” The purported benefits for adrenal fatigue are therefore based more on traditional use as a general vitality tonic and extrapolation rather than rigorous scientific validation. As such, the evidence is very limited, and its use for this modern diagnosis is not scientifically substantiated.
Other health conditions supported by Deer Velvet
Adrenal FatigueAthletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Debility
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Injuries
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Post Partum Weakness
Wasting
Wounds and Sores