Can patients with gallstones consume donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao)?

People consume a variety of foods daily, making it inevitable that the gallbladder may develop certain diseases—such as gallstones, the most common gallbladder disorder, which has an exceptionally high incidence rate. Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for nourishing blood. Since ancient times, it has been highly valued as a tonic, offering benefits including blood replenishment, hemostasis, yin-nourishment, moistening dryness, blood-tonification, and fetal stabilization. So, can individuals with gallstones consume Ejiao? Let’s explore this further.

Can Individuals with Gallstones Consume Ejiao?

Patients with gallstones may consume Ejiao in moderation—but excessive intake should be avoided. Ejiao is primarily derived from donkey skin and possesses properties that nourish blood, enrich yin, moisten dryness, and arrest bleeding. It may serve as an adjunctive therapy for symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, irritability, insomnia, and dry-cough due to lung dryness.

However, during Ejiao consumption, patients must strictly avoid greasy foods—and indeed, individuals with gallstones should generally avoid such foods altogether. Ejiao is contraindicated in cases accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension, loose stools, or excessive phlegm with cough. Additionally, patients with gallstones should refrain from taking Ejiao if they develop a cold.

The above information is for reference only. For definitive diagnosis and treatment, consultation with a qualified physician at a hospital is strongly recommended. We hope this information proves helpful to you.