Can deer antler be consumed indiscriminately?
Generally speaking, deer antler should not be consumed indiscriminately. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
Deer antler has effects of promoting longevity, nourishing blood, improving complexion, and strengthening the body. It is suitable for men and women who are physically weak or sensitive to cold. However, individuals with excessive internal heat, toxic heat, yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire, or a hot-blood constitution should avoid taking deer antler, as it may intensify internal heat and lead to symptoms such as heatiness, nosebleeds, constipation, and insomnia. Due to its warm and heating nature, excessive consumption of deer antler can easily cause heat-related symptoms like dry mouth, tongue dryness, and dry stools. Moreover, long-term and excessive use may damage the gastric mucosa, leading to adverse reactions such as acid reflux, nausea, and stomach pain.
Deer antler should not be consumed together with raw radish, pork blood, persimmons, leeks, crabs, or similar foods, as these may interact negatively with deer antler or reduce its tonic effectiveness.
To avoid potential harm caused by improper consumption of deer antler, it is advisable to use it appropriately under medical guidance according to individual health conditions. In daily life, maintain healthy dietary habits, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid overreliance on any single supplement.