When the weather gets hotter in summer, many people visit Korean medicine clinics to prepare herbal tonics for the health of their loved ones. In these cases, the first medicinal ingredient that comes to mind for both patients and practitioners is deer antler. Deer antlers, or nokyong in Korean, begin to grow in spring, and after about 60 days, they are harvested, sterilized in boiling water, and dried to be used as a medicinal herb.

If the antlers are left to grow naturally without harvesting, they fall off in late autumn. These fallen antlers, known as nokgak, can also be used as medicine, but their efficacy is much lower than that of fresh deer antler. Laboratory analyses show that key active compounds in deer antler—such as IGF-1, gangliosides, amino acids, proteins, minerals, and collagen—are often absent or present in much smaller amounts in nokgak.

When did deer antler start being used as a tonic? The earliest authoritative text on medicinal herbs, the Shennong Bencao Jing, records deer antler with the same health benefits recognized today. Historical records also show that deer antler was used as a medicinal ingredient in ancient Egypt, by American Indians, and in Mongolia and Siberia. Clearly, it has been valued as medicine across both Eastern and Western cultures for centuries.

Perhaps for this reason, the use of deer antler supplements is steadily increasing not only in East Asia, including Korea, but also in the U.S. and Europe—for boosting immunity and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

From a biochemical perspective, the benefits of deer antler include:

• Enhancing blood production – stimulating the production of blood cells.

• Improving circulation – supporting vascular health and preventing circulatory diseases.

• Boosting immunity – its various active components help prevent illness.

• Promoting skin health – collagen and hyaluronic acid improve elasticity and slow aging.

• Supporting joint health – helping protect cartilage and maintain joint function.

Different parts of the antler serve different purposes. The upper part, called the bungol, contains concentrated proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, amino acids, and hormones. This part is generally used for children’s growth and immunity, while the section just below (sangdae) is used to boost vitality in adults. The lower middle and bottom sections are often prescribed for seniors to support joint and bone health.

Does this mean deer antler can be taken by anyone? The saying “too much is as harmful as too little” perfectly applies here. Overconsumption of deer antler beyond the recommended amount can lead to hematuria, skin allergies, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and palpitations. This is why it is important to consult a licensed practitioner for proper dosage and guidance.

Timing and individual constitution are just as important as dosage. Some people may not need deer antler at all, or it may not suit their body type. Occasionally, patients insist on prescriptions containing deer antler without understanding their own needs, but medicine is a double-edged sword: it has both benefits and potential side effects. Expert advice is always recommended.

Deer antler is available as a food-grade herb, but boiling and consuming it at home is not recommended. Although the Donguibogam records a prescription called Dan Nok Tang, which uses deer antler alone, this is considered an emergency tonic for extreme fatigue or severe health depletion.

For home use, powdered deer antler is preferable, stored carefully to avoid moisture, and taken once daily at 2–4 grams. Its effects are excellent on their own, but combining deer antler with other herbs under a practitioner’s guidance usually produces even better results. Therefore, consultation with a licensed Korean medicine doctor remains the safest and most effective way to use deer antler.

Source: 헬스조선 (https://health.chosun.com/)