TCM Herbal Paste Gelatin: Types, Benefits, and Dosage Guidelines

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbal pastes (膏方, gāo fāng) often incorporate gelatinous substances (胶, jiāo) that serve both as a thickening base and as active medicinal ingredients. The choice and quantity of gelatin are critical to the paste's therapeutic effect. Below we explore the main types of gelatin used, their specific actions, and how to determine the right dosage.

Known as the 'holy medicine for nourishing blood,' donkey-hide gelatin is the top choice for blood-nourishing pastes. It effectively treats various conditions caused by blood deficiency, such as pallor, dry skin, menstrual irregularities, and weakness. Regular use can improve complexion, enhance skin radiance, support fertility, boost immunity, and slow aging.

Sweet and salty in taste, warm in nature, deer antler gelatin tonifies the kidneys, benefits essence, and nourishes blood. It is preferred for yang-nourishing pastes. It addresses kidney qi deficiency, emaciation, lower back pain, impotence, seminal emission, uterine coldness, and abnormal uterine bleeding. According to Ni Zhumo's Bencao Huiyan, it strengthens yang, builds blood and essence, and warms the sinews and bones.

Neutral in nature, sweet and salty, turtle shell gelatin nourishes yin, subdues yang, benefits the kidneys, and strengthens bones. It also helps stop bleeding. It is the first choice for yin-nourishing pastes, treating yin deficiency patterns such as bone-steaming fever, night sweats, seminal emission, and in children, delayed fontanel closure or weak legs.

Neutral and salty, turtle carapace gelatin nourishes yin, breaks up blood stasis, and disperses masses. It is ideal for pastes that both nourish yin and invigorate blood. It is used for yin deficiency with heat signs, hepatosplenomegaly, cirrhosis, and amenorrhea.

Practitioners often combine multiple gelatins to address complex patterns. Historical examples include:

Dosage is calculated based on daily intake: typically 10–15 grams total per day for all gelatins combined. For a 30-day course, that amounts to 300–450 grams per batch. Adjustments are made if the formula already contains sticky herbs like Rehmannia (熟地), Polygonatum (黄精), or Solomon's seal (玉竹)—then reduce gelatin. If turtle shell or deer antler are main ingredients, increase the amount.

Because gelatin can impair digestion, always include digestive-supporting herbs in the paste. Donkey-hide, turtle shell, and turtle carapace gelatins are especially prone to causing bloating or diarrhea. The amount also affects the paste's consistency: too little fails to thicken, too much makes it too hard to consume.

References

1. Ni Zhumo. Bencao Huiyan (Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica). Ming Dynasty.
2. Wang Huaiyin et al. Taiping Shenghui Fang (Imperial Grace Pharmacy Formulas). Song Dynasty.
3. Li Shizhen. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica). Ming Dynasty.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine textbook on herbal pastes (膏方学). Modern clinical references.