What are the side effects of Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin)?
Mar 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) is a traditional Chinese medicine health supplement, whose main functions are nourishing yin, enriching blood, moistening dryness, and stopping bleeding. It may cause side effects such as indigestion, excessive internal heat (fire), allergic reactions, menstrual disturbances, and increased dampness in the body. Although Ejiao has certain nourishing effects, it is not suitable for everyone. Before consuming Ejiao, one should understand their own physical condition and consult a doctor's advice.
Generally speaking, Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin) is a traditional Chinese herbal tonic, whose main functions are nourishing yin and blood, moistening dryness, and stopping bleeding. However, it may cause side effects such as indigestion, excessive internal heat ("fire"), allergic reactions, menstrual disturbances, and increased dampness. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Indigestion
Ejiao has a rich and greasy texture and is difficult to digest. Excessive consumption may cause indigestion symptoms such as abdominal distension, reduced appetite, nausea, and vomiting, especially in individuals with weak spleen and stomach function. For those with pre-existing digestive system diseases such as gastritis or peptic ulcer, Ejiao consumption might worsen their symptoms.
2. Excessive internal heat ("fire")
Ejiao is warm in nature and has warming and nourishing properties. Excessive consumption or intake by individuals with a naturally "hot" constitution may disrupt the body's yin-yang balance, leading to excessive yang energy. This excess yang may cause symptoms of internal heat such as mouth ulcers and sore throat. Young people whose lifestyle habits predispose them to internal heat are more likely to experience these symptoms after consuming Ejiao.
3. Allergic reactions
Ejiao is made from boiled donkey hide and contains various complex components, including proteins. In some individuals, the immune system may identify these components as foreign substances, triggering an immune response that releases histamine and other substances, leading to allergic symptoms such as skin itching and difficulty breathing. The severity of allergic reactions may vary depending on individual constitution.
4. Menstrual disturbances
During menstruation, women experience a unique state of qi and blood circulation. Ejiao's blood-nourishing and hemostatic properties may interfere with the normal flow of qi and blood during menstruation. It may either reduce menstrual flow due to its hemostatic effect or increase menstrual flow due to its nourishing effect on qi and blood, ultimately leading to irregular menstrual cycles.
5. Increased dampness
Individuals with excessive internal dampness often have weak spleen and stomach function in transforming and transporting bodily fluids. Ejiao's rich and greasy nature may further impair the spleen and stomach's ability to process dampness, hindering the metabolism and elimination of bodily fluids. People who live long-term in humid environments are already prone to internal dampness, and Ejiao consumption may further exacerbate symptoms such as heaviness in the body and loose stools caused by dampness.
Although Ejiao has certain nourishing benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Before consuming Ejiao, individuals should understand their own physical condition and consult a physician or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Additionally, Ejiao products should be purchased from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety, and consumed in moderation. If adverse symptoms occur, consumption should be stopped immediately and medical advice sought.
