Tortoise plastron (Guiban)
Chinemys reevesii (Gray) (Fam. Testudinidae)
Pharmaceutical Name: Plastrum
Testudinis
Zoological Name: Chinemys
reevesii (Gray) (Fam.
Testudinidae)
Common Name: Tortoise plastron, freshwater tortoise shell.
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing.
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The plastron of a freshwater tortoise can be obtained all
year round. It is cleaned and dried in the sun.
Properties: Sweet, salty and cold.
Meridians: Liver, kidney and heart.
Functions: 1. To nourish yin and subdue
yang; 2. To tonify the kidneys and strengthen the bones.
Indications & Combinations:
1. Hyperactivity of liver yang due to
deficient yin of the liver and kidneys manifested as dizziness, distension and
pain in the head and blurred vision. Tortoise plastron (Guiban) is used
with Cyathula root (Niuxi), White peony root (Baishao), Sea-ear shell
(Shijueming) and Uncaria stem (Gouteng).
2. Malnutrition of tendons and muscles due
to yin consumed by febrile diseases manifested as spasms and convulsions of
hands and feet. Tortoise plastron (Guiban) is used with Fresh rehmannia
root (Shengdihuang), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao) and Oyster shell (Muli).
3. Deficient yin and excessive fire
manifested as afternoon fever, cough with blood, night sweating and seminal
emissions. Tortoise plastron (Guiban) is used with Prepared rehmannia root
(Shudihuang) in the formula Da Buyin Wan.
4. Deficient yin of the liver and kidney
manifested as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees and fragile
bones and tendons. Tortoise plastron (Guiban) is used with Cyathula root
(Niuxi), Dragon's bone (Longgu) and Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang).
5. Derangement of mind by deficiency of yin
and blood manifested as insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations and fright. Tortoise
plastron (Guiban) is used with Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shichangpu), Dragon's
bone (Longgu), and Polygala root (Yuanzhi) in the formula Kongsheng Zhenzhong
Dan.
6. Deficient yin and heat in the blood
manifested as excessive menstruation and uterine bleeding. Tortoise
plastron (Guiban) is used with Fresh rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) and Eclipta
(Mohanlian).
Dosage: 10-30 g decocted prior to other herbs for internal use.
Cautions & Contraindications:
1.
This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.
2. Contraindicated in patients
with Cold due to Spleen and Stomach Deficiency.
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