ĒJiāo (阿胶) — Donkey Hide Gelatin / Ejiao

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

ĒJiāo (阿胶) — Equus asinus (donkey-hide gelatin) — is known in English as Donkey Hide Gelatin / Ejiao. It belongs to the category of Blood tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe ĒJiāo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Blood and stops bleeding — the most important Blood tonic for haemorrhagic conditions
2. Nourishes Yin and moistens Dryness
3. Moistens the Lung and stops cough
4. Calms the fetus

Indications

1. Anaemia and Blood deficiency — palpitations, dizziness and pale complexion
2. Uterine bleeding and menorrhagia from Blood deficiency or Yin deficiency with Heat
3. Dry cough and haemoptysis from Lung Yin and Blood deficiency
4. Threatened miscarriage from Blood and Yin deficiency
5. Insomnia from Heart Blood deficiency
6. Constipation from Blood and Yin deficiency dry Intestines

4. Key formulas containing ĒJiāo

ĒJiāo appears in the following key formulas:

• Gui Pi Tang
• Ba Zhen Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin) is a classical Chinese blood tonic with a history of over 2,000 years. Its primary constituents are collagen, hydrolysed gelatine proteins (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline), and trace minerals. Research confirms haematopoietic effects — stimulating erythropoiesis and increasing haemoglobin and red blood cell count. Studies demonstrate beneficial effects on platelet aggregation, bone marrow function, immune regulation and anti-fatigue properties. Ejiao is widely used in China as an over-the-counter blood tonic and fertility supplement. Clinical research supports its use in iron-deficiency anaemia and as a uterine-protective agent. Note: Ejiao is an animal-derived product and is strictly not used in some practices.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Ejiao is derived from donkey hide and is an animal product — not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Its use complies with UK regulations (non-endangered species). Avoid in Spleen deficiency with loose stools, as the rich, sticky nature causes digestive stagnation — often combined with Chen Pi. Avoid in early stages of exterior pathogenic invasion.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe ĒJiāo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Fertility, Thin endometrial lining, Irregular menstrual cycle, Insomnia. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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