Donkey hide gelatin (ejiao) is a type of glue made by decocting a donkey's hide and some medicinal Chinese herbs (such as dried tangerine or orange peels and sweet-scented osmanthus) in water, and then concentrating the liquid. The gelatin is one of the three treasures of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese women have been using the gelatin, formerly a tribute to the imperial family, to improve their health.

Benefits to Women
1. Invigorates blood circulation, moistens the lungs and treats yin deficiency (by reinforcing body fluids and nourishing the blood) and cures dizziness, insomnia, coughing and palpitation, which result from lack of blood or yin.

2. Helps women who suffer from such ailments as coughing up blood and/or passing blood to stop bleeding.

3. Curing irregular menstruation, stabilizes the fetus (if the woman is pregnant) and prevents miscarriage. As ejiao invigorates blood circulation, it can treat lack of blood and blood stasis, both of which are major causes of irregular menstruation. In addition, ejiao contains such elements as lysine, arginine, histidine, cysteine, calcium and sulfur, which help prevent miscarriage.

4. Helps prevent and treat cancer. Ejiao can be used to prevent cancer, and it can be used as a supplementary medicine for patients who receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

5. Improves physical appearance. As ejiao invigorates blood circulation, women who eat it often tend to have rosy cheeks and glossy skin. In addition, ejiao helps strengthen bones and muscles and improves the quality of sleep.