As we all know, donkey-hide gelatin, also known as Ejiao in Chinese, is a popular health supplement for blood nourishment. Especially for women, taking Ejiao has many benefits. However, this has led to the exaggeration of the efficacy of Ejiao, with some even claiming that it is just boiled donkey skin. So, is this true? And what are the benefits of taking Ejiao?
Is Ejiao just boiled donkey skin?
Donkey skin is indeed the main ingredient of Ejiao, but it also requires the addition of other ingredients such as yellow wine and rock sugar to be boiled and concentrated into a solid gel.
Ejiao has the effects of blood nourishment and hemostasis, nourishing yin and moistening dryness. However, this does not mean that donkey skin alone has these effects. Traditional Chinese medicine often uses compound prescriptions, which means the combination of multiple herbs for a synergistic effect.
Many different types of animal skins can be consumed or used in medicine, but why donkey skin and not pig skin or cow skin? This is the wonder of traditional Chinese medicine.
Just because donkeys are more common does not mean that the efficacy of Ejiao is a "scam". After all, its production process and techniques are quite complex. Moreover, there are numerous traditional Chinese medicine theories and modern pharmacological and clinical studies that have proven its efficacy.
Although the efficacy of Ejiao is undeniable, there are many Chinese medicine merchants who neglect the common knowledge of compound prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine for their own interests. They often extract the individual effects of certain herbs to mislead or even exaggerate the efficacy, which is something to be cautious about.
Benefits of taking Ejiao
1. Blood nourishment
Consistently taking Ejiao paste and other Ejiao products can nourish the blood, nourish yin, dispel wind, moisten dryness, dissolve phlegm, promote urination, and regulate the large intestine. Long-term consumption of Ejiao paste can effectively improve the coldness of hands and feet in women during winter.
2. Beauty and skincare
Ejiao can significantly increase the content of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body, thereby nourishing the skin through blood nourishment. Long-term consumption can make the complexion rosy, the skin delicate, and glowing. It is a great product for nourishing the skin and maintaining beauty.
3. Enhancing physical fitness
Regular consumption of Ejiao can enhance the function of the heart. Ejiao is rich in protein, which belongs to animal collagen protein. Compared to herbal medicine, it has a better affinity with the human body and is beneficial for absorption and utilization.
4. Anti-aging
Ejiao contains collagen, gelatin, protein, and various trace elements, amino acids, etc. These are important nutrients for the body and have obvious anti-aging and longevity effects.
Proper usage of Ejiao
1. Ejiao powder
It has the effects of blood nourishment, moistening dryness, and nourishing yin. Take 5 grams of Ejiao powder and mix it with water for consumption. You can also add milk or soy milk according to personal taste.
2. Ejiao porridge
It has the effects of blood nourishment, hemostasis, nourishing yin, and moistening the lungs. When the porridge is almost cooked, add 15 grams of Ejiao powder and stir until it melts.
3. Ejiao jujube
It has the effects of blood nourishment and tonifying the spleen. Cook 500 grams of red dates, leaving a small amount of water, then add 50 grams of melted Ejiao to stick it on the dates. Consume the Ejiao jujube in the morning and evening.
4. Ejiao cake
It has the effects of nourishing qi, nourishing blood, moisturizing yin, and moistening the lungs, especially suitable for women. Cook 500 grams of Ejiao, 500 grams of black sesame, 500 grams of Chinese wolfberries, 400 grams of walnut kernels, 400 grams of rock sugar, and 400 milliliters of yellow wine to make Ejiao cake. Consume it with warm water in the morning and evening.
