Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Gui Ban (龜板), the plastron (lower shell) of the tortoise, richly nourishes yin and anchors floating yang, tonifies the Kidney to strengthen the bones, and nourishes the blood to benefit the Heart.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Testudinis Plastrum (tortoise plastron)
Common English Name
Tortoise plastron
Taste
Sweet, salty
Temperature
Cold
Channels Entered
Liver, Kidney, Heart
Actions & Functions
- Nourishes yin and anchors ascendant yang
- Tonifies the Kidney and strengthens the bones
- Nourishes the blood and benefits the Heart (and calms the spirit)
Indications
Yin deficiency with ascendant yang causing dizziness and headache; Kidney deficiency with weak bones and delayed development; and yin and blood deficiency with palpitations, insomnia and poor memory.
Dosage
9-30 g, decocted first (for a long time).
Common Combinations
With Bie Jia and Shu Di Huang (Da Bu Yin Wan) to enrich yin and subdue fire.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy and in Spleen deficiency with cold-damp and diarrhoea.
