Donkey-hide gelatin, also known as donkey-hide glue, contains gelatin, collagen, protein, and various elements such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and zinc. The protein it contains can be hydrolyzed to produce various essential amino acids. Donkey-hide gelatin is effective in treating various ailments caused by blood deficiency, and it also moisturizes the skin by replenishing blood. Furthermore, it can regulate menstruation, protect the fetus, strengthen the body, improve sleep, enhance brain function, delay aging, and help prevent and treat various diseases, including cancer. However, donkey-hide gelatin is also a medicine, and improper use can produce many side effects.
The following points should be noted when taking donkey-hide gelatin as a tonic:
1. Selection based on symptoms: Donkey-hide gelatin is especially suitable for patients with anemia, cancer patients and those undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, those who are physically weak, those with irregular menstruation, those who are chronically ill and weak, middle-aged and elderly women, and those who do mental work. Donkey-hide gelatin should be discontinued when suffering from colds, coughs, diarrhea, or during menstruation, and resumed only after recovery or the cessation of menstruation.
2. Low-temperature storage: Donkey-hide gelatin is susceptible to moisture and is not resistant to high temperatures. It can be placed in a food packaging bag, sealed tightly, and then stored in the refrigerator.
3. Add a small amount of Qi-tonifying herbs: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that blood deficiency is often accompanied by Qi deficiency symptoms, mainly manifested as pale complexion, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, fatigue, and easy sweating. Tonifying Qi while tonifying blood can achieve twice the result with half the effort, as Qi and blood generate each other. It can be used together with Qi-tonifying herbs such as Astragalus and Codonopsis.
4. Dissolve and swallow: Donkey-hide gelatin has a strong odor; if consumed directly, it will be fishy and unpleasant to drink. Therefore, block-shaped donkey-hide gelatin should be broken into small pieces, the smaller the better, to facilitate dissolution. Place the donkey-hide gelatin pieces, rock sugar, and rice wine in a metal container and steam for 30-45 minutes. After bringing to a boil over high heat, reduce to a simmer. The dissolved donkey-hide gelatin will become sticky and thick after cooling, at which point it is ready to eat.
5. Preventing Indigestion: Donkey-hide gelatin is rich and nourishing, which can easily cause indigestion. The spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal health; if their function is impaired, even the best medicine cannot be absorbed by the body. It's important to note that donkey-hide gelatin should not be consumed daily or for extended periods, as this can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to digestive problems and affecting appetite. When taking donkey-hide gelatin, especially for those with weak spleen and stomach function, it's best to combine it with medications that regulate the spleen and stomach to promote digestion and absorption. Additionally, it's necessary to avoid certain foods while taking donkey-hide gelatin, such as raw and cold foods, radishes, and strong tea.
