Tortoise
plastron (Guiban)
Pharmaceutical Name : Plastrum Testudinis
Zoological Name : Clinemys reevesii (Gray)
Common Name : Tortoise plastron
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 White peony root (Baishao), Cyathula
root (Niuxi), 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 Donkey
hide gelatin (Ejiao), Fresh rehmannia root
(Shengdihuang) and Oyster shell (Muli).
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. Derangement of mind by deficiency of yin
and blood manifested as insomnia, forgetfulness,
palpitations and fright. Tortoise plastron
(Guiban) is used with Dragon's bone (Longgu),
Grass-leaved sweetflag (Shichangpu) 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 (The herb is cooked first,
then additional herbs are added for decoction.)
Cautions & Contraindications:
This herb should be used with caution during
pregnancy. |
