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Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gelatin)
Sweet in flavor, neutral and slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats internal bleeding in the heart and abdomen, shivering chills resembling malaria during extreme exhaustion, pain in the waist and abdomen, soreness and pain in the four limbs, excessive vaginal bleeding in women, calms the fetus, abdominal pain in men, deficiency consumption with emaciation, insufficiency of Yin Qi, soreness in the legs preventing prolonged standing, and nourishes Liver Qi. Long-term use makes the body light and benefits Qi. Also known as Fuzhi Jiao (Fuzhi Gelatin). Produced in Dongping Commandery, made by boiling cowhide. Originates from Dong'e. (Dislikes Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), effective when processed with fire.)

Tao Hongjing stated: It originates from Dong'e, hence the name Ejiao. Currently, it can also be produced in the Eastern Capital. The hides used vary from old to young, and the gelatin varies in clarity and turbidity. There are three types: the clear and thin type is used for painting; the thick and clear type is called Penfu Jiao (Basin-Overturned Gelatin), used for medicinal purposes, all requiring roasting over fire; for pills and powders, it must be extremely dry, while for decoctions, a slight roast suffices; the turbid and black type can be used for gluing objects but not for medicine. If a piece of Deer Antler is added, gelatin forms; otherwise, it does not form. I now refer to Chen Cangqi's Bencao stating: Gelatin boiled with water from A Well is genuine; most used by the common people are not authentic. All gelatins can treat Wind, stop diarrhea, and tonify deficiency, but Donkey-Hide Gelatin is best for treating Wind. Ministers Yuxi et al. respectfully followed the Yaoxing Lun stating: Ejiao serves as the Sovereign herb. It treats strengthening bones and tendons, benefiting Qi, and stopping dysentery. Shuyu (Dioscorea Rhizome) acts as its Assistant.

Tu Jing stated: Ejiao originates from Dongping Commandery, made by boiling cowhide. It comes from Dong'e, hence the name Ejiao. Currently, Yunzhou can produce it; using water from the well north of A County for boiling yields the authentic product. The manufacturing process involves boiling Black Donkey Hide with water from A Well. Following the usual method of boiling gelatin: that well was prohibited by the government; authentic gelatin is extremely rare, and those sold in the capital are abundant, likely not authentic. Consulting medical texts: the reason it surpasses other gelatins is largely due to Donkey Hide combined with water from A Well. Guangji Fang treats Huanhuan Feng (Flaccid Paralysis Wind) and various Winds causing inability to move hands and feet, and weakness in the waist and legs. Roast Donkey-Hide Gelatin until slightly bubbling. First, boil Congchi Zhou (Scallion and Fermented Soybean Porridge) one sheng and store separately. Then, take one sheng of water, boil Xiangchi (Fragrant Fermented Soybean) two he, remove dregs, add the gelatin, and boil for six or seven boils until the gelatin melts like syrup. Take at once. While warm, eat the previously prepared Scallion and Fermented Soybean Porridge, any amount desired. Eating cold may cause vomiting and counterflow; taking three or four doses at once will stop the symptoms. Follow dietary restrictions as per medication rules. Furthermore, for stopping diarrhea, combining gelatin with Beeswax and Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) is particularly good. Xu Chuanxin Fang records Zhang Zhongjing's Tiaoqi Fang stating: Treats Chi Bai Li (Red and White Dysentery), regardless of duration, unbearable lower abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, tenesmus and painful oppression, cyanosis of the face upon each attack, and discoloration of hands and feet. Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) one liang, remove hairs; Hao Jiao (Good Gelatin) size of a hand; Sui La (Crushed Beeswax) size of a bean. Use one da sheng of water for these three ingredients. First boil the gelatin until dissolved, then add the beeswax and boil until dissolved, finally add Huanglian powder, stir and mix. Divide into three doses. Must be taken hot; difficult to swallow if cold. Divine and miraculous. These functions of this gelatin refer to current Ejiao. Thus, Chen Cangqi said: All gelatins can treat Wind, stop diarrhea, and tonify deficiency, but Donkey-Hide Gelatin is best for treating Wind. Another contemporary prescription: Household Huangming Jiao (Yellow-Bright Gelatin) is mostly Cowhide. The Ejiao in Ben Jing also uses Cowhide; these two hides are interchangeable. However, current Cowhide Gelatin is not finely made, suitable only for gluing, not for medicine. One should use Deer Antler Gelatin. Ben Jing calls it Bai Jiao (White Gelatin), stating it originates from Yunzhong. Currently, the method is available everywhere for production. But its efficacy is double that of Cowhide Gelatin and requires more labor, so few are authentic; unless self-made, they are likely counterfeit.

Lei Gong said: For preparation, first soak in Pig Fat overnight. Remove the next day, roast over Willow Wood fire until bubbling, then grind finely for use. Shenghui Fang: Treats Hematuria during Pregnancy. Use Ejiao roasted until yellow and dry, powdered. Take two qian bi before meals, mixed with porridge drink. Mei Shi Fang: Sudden continuous vaginal bleeding during pregnancy without cause. Take three liang of Ejiao, roast and grind into powder. Boil in one and a half sheng of wine until dissolved. One dose cures. Another prescription: Two liang of Ejiao ground into powder, half a jin of Sheng Dihuang (Fresh Rehmannia Root) pressed for juice. Take at once. Song Dynasty Wang Wei's Taoyi Zan states: Ejiao replenishes Qi.