Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin | 阿胶

Equus asinus

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Kidneys, Liver, Lungs

Parts Used

Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of E Jiao

Traditional Actions

Tonifies and nourishes Blood.
Stops bleeding.
Moistens and lubricates Yin.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), E Jiao belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

 

Furthermore E Jiao is Neutral in nature. This means that E Jiao typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of E Jiao means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

E Jiao also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like E Jiao tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such E Jiao is thought to target the Kidney, the Liver and the Lung. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Dizziness Pale face Palpitations Bloody sputum Blood in stools Abnormal uterine bleeding Insomnia Irritability Anemia Dry cough Hemoptysis Hematemesis Hematuria Excessive menstrual discharge

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing E Jiao

Traditional Preparation

The donkey skin is soaked in water to soften it and the hair are removed. The skin is then chopped into small pieces, put in boiling water and the gelatin is separated from the skin. The gelatin is boiled further and then left to cool down and ultimately dry into solidified pieces.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

3 - 15 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for E Jiao

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, E Jiao may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing E Jiao

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use E Jiao as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

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