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Cura x Cura

Gui Ban龟板

Testudinis Plastrum · Tortoise Plastron · Turtle Shell

Herbs that Tonify the Yin 补阴药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》 (as 龟甲)

Overview

The belly shell of the freshwater turtle — sweet, salty, cold, heavy and sinking. It enriches yin and pulls rising yang back down, benefits the Kidney to strengthen bone, and nourishes blood to settle the heart; classically it is the yin-anchoring partner of Bie Jia. It is cracked, usually vinegar-processed, and decocted first and long.

Nature & Flavor

Sweet, salty · Cold

Channels

Kidney · Liver · Heart

Typical Dosage

9–30 g in decoction, cooked first
龟板Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Enriches yin, subdues yangYin-deficiency heat with night sweats, tidal fever and heat in the five centers; dizziness and stirring internal wind from Liver yang.
  • Benefits the Kidney, strengthens boneWeak, sore low back and knees; weak bones and delayed development in children.
  • Nourishes blood, calms the heartPalpitations, insomnia and forgetfulness where yin and blood are both depleted.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Gui Ban

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Yin-deficiency heat: night sweats, tidal fever, five-center heat
    - Liver-yang rising, dizziness, late-stage internal wind
    - Weak low back and knees; weak bones in children
    - Palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Menopausal hot flushesOsteoporosisInsomniaNight sweats

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold, heavy and cloying: unsuitable in Spleen–Stomach cold deficiency with poor appetite and loose stools, and in exterior or damp-laden patterns. It is an animal-derived material — several turtle species are protected and trade in them is restricted in many countries, so confirm the sourcing, and check that the patient accepts animal products before dispensing.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy — cold and strongly sinking; practitioner supervision required

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.