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.