How to Consume Ejiao
Donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao) is highly nutritious and possesses certain medicinal properties; it is widely regarded as a tonic. There are numerous ways to consume ejiao, and individuals may select the method most suitable for their personal health needs. Generally, taking ejiao on an empty stomach—i.e., before meals—yields optimal absorption. Below, we detail various methods of consuming ejiao.
Methods of Consuming Ejiao
1. Dissolving (Melting) Method
Ejiao is a traditional Chinese medicine renowned for its exceptional blood-enriching effects; Dong’e ejiao, in particular, is a well-known authentic regional herb. During winter, ejiao may be dissolved (melted) in yellow rice wine prior to ingestion. Patients concurrently taking other herbal medicines may also heat their herbal decoction first, then add ejiao to dissolve it before consumption.
2. Ejiao Beads
Ejiao beads are prepared by processing ejiao with clamshell powder (ge fen). To prepare them, cut ejiao into small cubes, heat a large iron wok, spread a layer of clamshell powder evenly across the bottom, reheat until hot, then add the ejiao cubes and stir-fry until they puff up into spherical beads. Ejiao beads retain the blood-nourishing and blood-enriching properties of ejiao and serve as an affordable alternative.
3. Ejiao Candy (Ejiao Cake)
Ejiao can be made into candy-like squares known as “ejiao cake.” Additional herbs with kidney-tonifying, qi-enhancing, blood-enriching, and yin-nourishing properties—such as turtle shell (gui jia), softshell turtle shell (bie jia), deer antler gelatin (lu jiao jiao), polygonatum (huang jing), dwarf lilyturf tuber (yu zhu), goji berries (gou qi zi), Chinese angelica root (dang gui), sesame seeds, walnuts, yellow rice wine, ginseng, and dendrobium (tie pi shi hu)—may be incorporated during preparation to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Therapeutic Effects of Ejiao
1. Enhances Cognitive Function and Supports Brain Health
Ejiao contains multiple bioactive nutrients that help alleviate mental stress associated with intensive study, allowing both the brain and the entire body to rest fully. This contributes to improved physical constitution, enhanced vitality, and heightened energy levels. Its active peptide components strengthen memory and improve cognitive recognition capacity, while also exerting pronounced anti-fatigue effects.
2. Promotes Skin Health and Beauty
By enriching the blood, ejiao nourishes and moisturizes the skin, supporting overall skin health. Long-term use helps achieve a rosy complexion, smooth and delicate skin texture, and a healthy glow. It is commonly used for skin nourishment and cosmetic benefits.
3. Boosts Immune Function
Ejiao’s blood-enriching action supports the tendons and bones, strengthens musculoskeletal integrity, promotes joint flexibility, and helps resist rheumatic disorders. It enhances immune function and reduces susceptibility to illness, making it especially suitable for elderly or frail individuals, those recovering from chronic disease, or those prone to recurrent colds and other conditions associated with diminished constitutional strength.
The above outlines all major methods of consuming ejiao. We hope this information proves helpful. Note that ejiao has blood-activating properties and should therefore be avoided during early pregnancy. Likewise, it is contraindicated in late pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
