Herbal Teas
Deer Antler Gelatin Milk (Lujiaojiao Milk)
Deer Antler Gelatin Milk is a warming nourishing beverage rooted in traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine. It combines Lujiaojiao – a solid gelatin derived from the boiled antlers of sika deer or red deer – with milk and honey. Deer antler gelatin has been used in China for over 2,000 years as a treasured tonic. This recipe is simple to prepare: the richness of milk and the sweetness of honey balance the gelatin's unique texture, creating a smooth, warm, and subtly sweet drink. Served warm in the morning or before bed, it warms and tonifies the liver and kidneys, benefits essence and blood, and promotes restful sleep – making it an ideal winter tonic.
Main Ingredients
- Deer antler gelatin (Lujiaojiao) 6g
- Pure milk 150ml
- Honey 20ml
- White sugar to taste
Steps
Crush 6-10g of Lujiaojiao into small pieces or coarse powder. Place in a small bowl with a small amount of warm water (or yellow wine), and steam or gently heat over low heat until completely melted (dissolved). Set aside. Note: Lujiaojiao is a gelatinous substance that cannot be simply dissolved in boiling water – it requires heating to melt completely.
Pour 150-250ml of pure milk into a small pot and place over heat. When the milk is heated to just before boiling (approx. 80-90°C, with small bubbles appearing at the edges), slowly pour the melted Lujiaojiao into the milk.
Reduce to low heat and continue heating slowly, while stirring constantly with a spoon or chopsticks to ensure the Lujiaojiao fully combines with the milk, until it boils and is completely dissolved.
Turn off the heat. After the milk cools to warm (approx. 40-50°C, comfortable to drink), add 20-30ml of honey (or a small amount of white honey) and stir well. Note: Honey should not be exposed to high heat for long periods, as this destroys its nutrients. Pour into a cup and drink while warm. 1-2 times daily.
TCM Notes
Deer Antler Gelatin (Lujiaojiao) : Sweet and salty in taste, warm in nature; enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. It warms and tonifies the liver and kidneys, and benefits essence and blood. Used for deficiency of liver and kidney manifesting as dizziness due to blood deficiency, lumbar soreness and cold knees, consumptive fatigue, impotence, and spermatorrhea. Modern pharmacology shows it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anemia, gastric mucosal protective, and sexual function-enhancing effects; promotes the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets; and helps regulate bone density while preventing calcium loss from bones. Lujiaojiao contains colloids, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and nitrogen compounds with tonic effects. Recommended daily dosage: 6-12g. Milk: Rich in high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B2. Each 100ml of milk contains approximately 100-120mg of calcium, working synergistically with the calcium in Lujiaojiao to support bone health. Honey: Contains glucose, fructose, and various vitamins and minerals. It tonifies the middle, moistens dryness, and relieves pain, while masking the slight gamey taste of Lujiaojiao. Synergistic Effect: Lujiaojiao warms the liver and kidneys and benefits essence and blood; milk provides high-quality protein and calcium; honey moistens and harmonizes. Together, they warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys, and assist yang in dispelling cold. Total approx. 180-250 kcal, 6-8g protein, 5-8g fat, 25-35g carbohydrates.
Suitable for：Those with kidney yang deficiency or liver-kidney insufficiency manifesting as lumbar soreness, cold knees, cold limbs, and intolerance to cold Those with dizziness due to blood deficiency, pale complexion, and consumptive fatigue Men with impotence, spermatorrhea, or seminal emission Women with uterine cold, abnormal uterine bleeding, or leukorrhea Middle-aged and elderly with osteoporosis or low bone density Those with menopausal kidney qi deficiency, reduced vitality, and fatigue Postpartum women with qi and blood deficiency needing restoration
Not suitable for：Those with yin deficiency with internal heat – symptoms include hot palms and soles, dry mouth, night sweats, irritability, red eyes, dry mouth and tongue, dark urine, constipation, red tongue with yellow coating Those with externally-contracted febrile diseases, colds, or fevers Those with internal excess heat or damp-heat accumulation Pregnant women – Lujiaojiao is warm in nature with blood-activating effects that may affect the fetus Those allergic to milk Diabetes patients – use with caution; avoid honey/sugar or consult a doctor Children – children are considered "pure yang" constitution; use with caution Those with hypertension or yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity – use with caution
