Deer antler-derived medicinal materials include antler velvet, antlers, and deer antler base. Antler velvet refers to the young antlers of male sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) or red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus) prior to ossification, which are covered with dense hair. Antler velvet is harvested by sawing during the summer and autumn seasons. After processing, it is dried in shade or by baking. Antler velvet is sweet and salty in taste, warm in nature, and enters the kidney and liver meridians. Its functions include tonifying kidney yang, replenishing essence and blood, strengthening tendons and bones, regulating the Chong and Ren vessels, and expelling toxins to promote wound healing [ref.]. Antlers and deer antler base refer to the ossified antlers or the antler bases shed in the following spring after the antler velvet harvest from red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus) or sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck). Their functions include warming kidney yang, strengthening tendons and bones, promoting blood circulation, and reducing swelling.