[citation needed] However, Empress Dowager Cixi believed his disease could be cured by worshipping a smallpox idol.

[citation needed] Guilinggao is thought to be good for the skin, allowing for a healthier complexion upon repeated consumption.

[1] Other supposed positive effects of the jelly includes improving circulation, assisting muscle growth, relieving itching, reducing acne, and kidney restoration.

[citation needed] Regular guilinggao jelly is black in appearance; however, the actual color is more of a dark brown.

Traditional guilinggao recipes require boiling turtle shell for many hours, first by itself, then with a variety of herbal ingredients, so that the liquid is gradually evaporated and a jelly-like residue forms.