Elk antler, also known as deer antler velvet, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other East Asian practices for centuries. Its use is primarily based on traditional beliefs that it can tonify the kidney, strengthen yang, and replenish essence, which are thought to help with conditions like "nervous exhaustion"—a historical term encompassing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and stress-related disorders. The concept of nervous exhaustion in traditional medicine overlaps with what is now described as chronic fatigue or neurasthenia, though the biomedical understanding is different.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of elk antler for nervous exhaustion. Most modern research on elk or deer antler velvet focuses on its possible effects on athletic performance, recovery, immune modulation, and joint health, rather than specifically addressing "nervous exhaustion." Human clinical trials are sparse, and those that exist are often small, methodologically weak, and do not directly target nervous exhaustion as a diagnosis. Some animal studies suggest potential adaptogenic or anti-fatigue properties, but these results have not been robustly confirmed in humans.

In summary, while elk antler’s use for nervous exhaustion is rooted in tradition and historical practice, there is minimal scientific validation for its effectiveness in this context.