Review of Scientific Literature on
ELK VELVET ANTLER4. Traditional
Medicinal Uses of Antler
In Oriental medicine, the different sections of velvet
antler have assorted uses. The upper two sections are often used as preventative tonics in
children while the middle portion is often used to treat arthritis and osteomyelitis. The
lowest part of velvet antler is often administered to older people to help prevent calcium
deficiency. Velvet antler has also been used in childbirth to assist delivery, anemia,
menopausal disorders, impotence and spermatorrhea.
As a medical product, velvet antler is dried, processed
and used in a variety of treatments. Traditional methods of processing antler were
designed to avoid spoilage during the slow drying process.
Processing generally involves repeated immersions in
boiling water followed by drying using either heat or open air drying. Although no details
are given, studies cited by Russian scientists Yudin and Dubryakov (1974) state that
boiling of the antlers, one of the traditional steps commonly used is contraindicated in
terms of its effects on pharmacological activity. There are many different forms in which
dried antler is processed into for use, including slices, powders and extracts. Velvet
antler in Asia is often included as a single component of prescription medicine while
other over-the-counter preparations that also include velvet antler are combined with
other traditional medicines, especially herbs.
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