The difference between tortoise shell glue and donkey-hide glue

Turtle shell glue and donkey-hide gelatin are two relatively common tonics. Both have food tonic effects and certain medicinal value, so they are used by many people to maintain health. But there are certain differences between the two, especially in terms of functions, they are different and suitable for different people. So, what is the difference between tortoise shell glue and donkey-hide gelatin, and who are the suitable people for these two supplements?

1. Introduction to tortoise shell glue

Tortoise shell glue is a solid glue made by boiling and concentrating tortoise shells. It is a rectangular or square flat lump, dark brown. It is hard and brittle, with a shiny cross section and appears transparent when held up to light; it has a slightly fishy smell and a light taste. Preparation method: Take the clean tortoise shell after rinsing and soaking, decoct in water in batches, filter, combine the filtrate (a small amount of alum powder can be added), let it stand, filter out the glue, concentrate it over low heat (an appropriate amount of rice wine can be added) until it becomes a thick paste, condense, cut into pieces, and dry in the shade.

II. Introduction to Ejiao

Donkey-hide gelatin originated in the Qin and Han Dynasties and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is a traditional nourishing and blood-replenishing product. It is made from donkey skin as the main raw material and water from the Ajing (the gelatin that is not boiled with Ajing water is called donkey skin glue or donkey glue). Donkey-hide gelatin is native to the ancient Dong'e County, Shandong Province (today's Gu'ajing, Acheng Town, Yanggu County). The best ones are amber in color, transparent and odorless. Also known as donkey hide glue. Donkey-hide gelatin can nourish blood and yin, moisten dryness and stop bleeding. It is used for chlorosis due to blood deficiency, dizziness, palpitations, restlessness and insomnia, and dry cough due to lung dryness.

Because Dong'e Ejiao is relatively mild in nature and can be used as both medicine and food, it is a tonic suitable for long-term consumption. The "Shennong Bencao Jing" states that "long-term consumption of Ejiao can make the body lighter and benefit the qi", so as long as there is no obvious discomfort after taking it, taking Ejiao products all year round is a good health habit.

3. The difference between tortoise shell glue and donkey-hide glue

Donkey-hide gelatin is sweet and neutral in nature, and enters the lung, liver, and kidney meridians. It has the functions of nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, and calming the fetus. Turtle shell gelatin is sweet, salty, and cold in nature, and enters the liver, kidney, and heart meridians. It has the functions of nourishing yin, suppressing yang, replenishing essence and strengthening bones, nourishing blood and replenishing the heart, nourishing yin and reducing fire. It is suitable for symptoms such as yin deficiency, fever, night sweats, soreness of the waist and knees, spermatorrhea, insomnia, and forgetfulness. The two are different in properties: donkey-hide gelatin is sweet and mild, while tortoise shell gelatin is sweet and cold. In treatment, the medicine should be selected according to the differences in yin and yang, cold and heat, and the symptoms. Therefore, donkey-hide gelatin is often called a sweet and mild tonic, and tortoise shell glue is often called a sweet and cold tonic.