What Are the Health Benefits of Colla Corii Asini (Donkey Hide Gelatin) for Women?

Donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao) has a sweet taste and neutral nature, and enters the Lung, Liver, and Kidney meridians. It functions to nourish the blood, arrest bleeding, nourish yin, and moisten dryness.

Therapeutic Actions of Donkey-hide Gelatin:

1. Used for blood deficiency syndromes presenting as sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, etc.; it is considered an excellent blood-tonifying herb.

2. Used for various types of bleeding disorders, such as uterine bleeding due to instability of the Ren and Chong meridians (e.g., menorrhagia, metrorrhagia), or bleeding during pregnancy.

3. Used for yin deficiency and dryness syndromes.

The benefits of donkey-hide gelatin for women include the following:

1. Anemia in women may cause cold intolerance, aversion to cold, blood deficiency, consumptive cough, hemoptysis, hematochezia, and menstrual irregularities. Consistent intake of donkey-hide gelatin and its preparations helps harmonize the blood, nourish yin, dispel wind, moisten dryness, resolve phlegm, clear the lungs, promote urination, and regulate bowel function. Long-term use of ejiao paste effectively alleviates cold hands and feet commonly experienced by women during winter.

2. Donkey-hide gelatin significantly increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, thereby nourishing the skin through blood enrichment. Prolonged use results in a rosy complexion, smooth and delicate skin with enhanced luster—making it an outstanding remedy for skin nourishment and cosmetic enhancement.

3. Regular consumption of donkey-hide gelatin increases calcium intake, enhances bone mineral content, promotes skeletal growth and strength, improves calcium absorption and storage, and helps prevent osteoporosis in later life.

4. Frequent intake of donkey-hide gelatin strengthens cardiac function. Rich in protein—specifically animal-derived collagen—it exhibits superior bioavailability and compatibility with the human body compared to plant-based herbs. According to the *Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica* (*Gangmu Shiyi*), donkey-hide gelatin treats internal injury-induced low back pain, strengthens tendons and ligaments, replenishes essence, and fortifies the kidneys.

5. Donkey-hide gelatin is indicated for menstrual disorders caused by blood deficiency, blood stasis, or blood heat. By nourishing yin and blood and reinforcing the Ren and Chong meridians, it supports fetal development, stabilizes pregnancy, and treats pregnancy-related conditions—including threatened miscarriage, restlessness of the fetus, and recurrent spontaneous abortion—with notable efficacy.

6. Donkey-hide gelatin contains gelatin, ossein, proteins, multiple trace elements, and various amino acids—all essential nutrients for the human body—and demonstrates significant anti-aging and longevity-promoting effects.

7. Donkey-hide gelatin also offers excellent regulatory benefits for women undergoing menopause, helping alleviate associated symptoms of menopausal syndrome.

However, due to its rich, cloying nature, donkey-hide gelatin may impair digestion; therefore, individuals with weak gastric function or chronic diarrhea should use it with caution. It is contraindicated for women with open wounds or during menstruation.