Gu Yuan Gao, also known as donkey-hide gelatin cake, is a convenient way to consume donkey-hide gelatin. It has been popular in China since the Tang Dynasty and is known for its beauty benefits. Regular consumption of Gu Yuan Gao can nourish the blood and skin, darken the hair, and provide various health benefits such as blood and kidney tonification, beauty enhancement, anti-aging, brain health, lung nourishment, and cough relief, as well as promoting a healthy pregnancy.
[Specific Method]
Donkey-hide gelatin (0.5 kg, 1 kg in winter), black sesame seeds (1 kg), walnuts (1 kg), red dates (1.5 kg), rock sugar (0.5 kg).
First, break the large pieces of donkey-hide gelatin into small pieces using a hammer, and then grind them into powder using a food processor. Wash the black sesame seeds and roast them in a pan until dry, which makes it easier to grind them in the food processor. Walnuts are difficult to grind in a food processor, so it is best to grind them in a small home meat grinder. Wash the red dates, remove the pits, and grind them in the meat grinder. Grind the rock sugar in the food processor.
After processing these 5 ingredients, mix them in a large bowl. Then add 2 kg of yellow wine (for children, use a lighter-flavored cooking wine instead) and mix well. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover it, and place it in a large pot filled with water for steaming. Steam over high heat for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and steam for another 1.5 hours until fully cooked. The remaining portion can be stored in the refrigerator. Remove any mold on the surface, transfer it back into the bowl, cover it, and steam for another 30 minutes before consuming.
In the recipe for "Gu Yuan Gao," rock sugar is a common ingredient. However, it should be omitted for diabetic individuals, and the amount of Chinese wolfberry can be increased. If there is severe constipation, increase the amount of pine nuts. If there is severe qi deficiency, especially for people who are particularly sensitive to cold, increase the amount of longan. If there is severe insomnia, increase the amount of red dates.
[Usage and Dosage]
When scooping out the gelatin, make sure the spoon is not wet as it is prone to mold. If mold appears accidentally, remove it, transfer the gelatin back into the bowl, cover it, and steam for another 30 minutes before consuming.
The dosage of Gu Yuan Gao varies for each individual: for those who are weak after illness, it can be taken twice a day with one spoonful each time; for the treatment of gynecological diseases, it can be taken twice a day with one spoonful each time; for men who want to lower blood pressure, lower blood lipids, or treat gout, it can be taken once or twice a day with one spoonful each time; for general health maintenance, one spoonful in the morning is sufficient; for those with poor sleep, consuming one spoonful after soaking feet at night is beneficial for sleep; for children, it is recommended to consume half a spoonful before bedtime.
Some people may experience symptoms of heatiness after consuming Gu Yuan Gao. In this case, reduce the dosage or consume it every other day. If it causes diarrhea, it is not a problem. This indicates that there is still a heavy accumulation of cold and dampness in the spleen and stomach. Consuming more ginger or other spicy foods will help alleviate this.
[Efficacy Analysis]
Gu Yuan Gao is a blood and essence nourishing food. Donkey-hide gelatin nourishes blood and moistens dryness, and red dates also have blood-nourishing properties. Black sesame seeds and walnuts nourish the kidneys, while rock sugar moistens dryness. The preparation method is very refined, making it easily digestible and absorbable. It is especially suitable for long-term consumption by women and also for the elderly to nourish blood, tonify the kidneys, and treat cough and asthma effectively.
Gu Yuan Gao also has excellent effects on men, especially for treating gout. In addition, long-term consumption of Gu Yuan Gao has great beauty benefits for women, promoting dark and shiny hair, elasticity, and fewer facial blemishes and wrinkles. It also has a good effect on blood tonification, which can slow down the aging process.
Gu Yuan Gao is also suitable for children due to its good blood-tonifying effect, which promotes their growth and brain development, making them more intelligent. Furthermore, it is particularly effective in treating childhood asthma.
