E Jiao
Equus asinus L.
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes Blood; Stops Bleeding; Nourishes Yin; Moistens Dryness; Moistens the Lungs; Calms the Fetus
Botanical Description
E Jiao is a solid glue-like gelatin prepared by prolonged simmering of the cleaned and soaked hides of donkeys (Equus asinus), with the resulting decoction skimmed, concentrated, clarified, and poured into molds where it cools into translucent dark-amber to nearly black rectangular blocks with a glossy, slightly brittle texture. Traditionally the highest grades originate from Dong'e County in Shandong Province, where local well water is said to give the finished product its characteristic clarity. The blocks are broken into pieces for clinical use or stir-fried with clamshell powder into pearly beads. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, E Jiao is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Lung, Liver, and Kidney channels; it tonifies blood, nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, and stops bleeding, especially in deficiency-pattern hemorrhage.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
E Jiao (donkey-hide gelatin, ass-hide glue) is a warm, sweet substance considered one of the three most important Blood tonics in Chinese medicine — alongside Shu Di Huang and He Shou Wu. It nourishes Blood and Yin, stops bleeding by stabilizing the Chong channel, and moistens dryness. It is used for Blood deficiency patterns with pallor, dizziness, and palpitations; for uterine bleeding and heavy menstruation from Blood deficiency; and for cough or constipation from Lung or Intestinal Yin dryness. Its gelatinous, nourishing character makes it a revered tonic for depleted conditions.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.