In our traditional concepts, donkey-hide gelatin, ginseng, and deer antler are known as the "Three Great Treasures" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many people believe that donkey-hide gelatin has the effect of "curing illnesses when present and strengthening the body when not," but in fact, the misuse of donkey-hide gelatin can also lead to side effects, such as causing indigestion and symptoms of excessive internal heat.
TCM experts point out that while donkey-hide gelatin is beneficial, some women should not consume it. For example:
1. Individuals who are prone to "internal heat," such as those with heart fire, liver fire, or lung fire, or even those with yin deficiency accompanied by fire. If they only take donkey-hide gelatin, they may experience a condition where the body cannot properly absorb the nourishment, and the internal heat will worsen.
2. People with excessive internal dampness: This can manifest as a dry, bitter, or sticky mouth, fatigue, dizziness or fogginess, abdominal bloating, and poor bowel movements. The most important sign is a thick, greasy coating on the tongue, which can be either white or yellow.
3. People with wounds: Donkey-hide gelatin promotes blood circulation, so it should not be consumed immediately if there is an open wound. It should only be taken after the wound has scabbed over; otherwise, the scab may not form properly.
4. Individuals with blood stasis: This can be indicated by dusky complexion, hyperpigmentation, a tendency to develop bruises, dark lips, a dusky tongue with possible ecchymosis, purplish or thickened sublingual veins, and a choppy pulse. Women often have menstrual issues, typically including delayed periods, blood clots, abdominal pain, dark color, and a short duration of flow.
5. Those with a weak spleen: This refers to people with poor digestive function, primarily manifesting as reduced appetite, loose or initially hard then loose stools, fatigue and listlessness, and a sallow complexion. Although there is no strict rule against donkey-hide gelatin for those with a weak spleen, its sticky nature can easily impede spleen and stomach function. It is particularly unsuitable for patients with spleen deficiency, qi stagnation, reduced appetite, and abdominal bloating. If it must be consumed, it should be combined with herbs that regulate qi and promote digestion to counteract the gelatin's cloying nature.
TCM experts believe that individuals with yang deficiency should not take donkey-hide gelatin, as it can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, and digestive dysfunction. Furthermore, donkey-hide gelatin should be discontinued when suffering from a cold, cough, diarrhea, or during menstruation, and should only be resumed after the illness has subsided or the period has ended.