What are the medicinal values ​​of turtle shells?

When talking about turtles, one will think of the cute appearance of little turtles. Turtles are a long-lived species and they also have certain medicinal value. Some people like to make turtle soup to nourish their bodies. In fact, the real medicinal value of turtle lies not in its meat, but in its tortoise shell. Many people are not very clear about the medicinal value of turtle shells. So, let’s take a look at the introduction of turtle shells:

【English name】 CARAPAX ET PLASTRUM TESTUDINIS

[Alias] Turtle plate, tortoise shell, tortoise plate, lower shell, blood plate, hot plate

[Source] This product is the carapace and plastron of the turtle Chinemys reevesii (Gray), a member of the Testudinidae family. It can be caught throughout the year, but is mostly caught in autumn and winter. After being caught, it is killed, the carapace and plastron are peeled off, and the remaining meat is removed, which is called "blood plate". Or they are scalded to death with boiling water, the carapace and plastron are peeled off, the remaining meat is removed, and the fish is dried in the sun, which is called "scalding board".

[Properties] The carapace and plastron are connected by a bridge. The carapace is slightly longer than the plastron and is often separated from the plastron. The carapace is oblong and arched, 7.5 to 22 cm long and 6 to 18 cm wide; the outer surface is brown or dark brown, with 3 ridges; there is one cervical shield, narrow in front and wide in the back; there are 5 vertebral shields, the first vertebral shield is longer than wide or nearly equal, and the 2nd to 4th vertebral shields are wider than long; the costal shields are symmetrical on both sides, with 4 shields on each side, 11 marginal shields on each side, and 2 anal shields. The plastron is plate-like, nearly rectangular and oval, 6.4 to 21 cm long and 5.5 to 17 cm wide; the outer surface is light yellow-brown to brown-black, with 12 scutes, each often with purple-brown radial texture, the raphes of the abdominal, pectoral and femoral scutes are all long, followed by the laryngeal and anal scutes, and the raphes of the humeral scutes are the shortest; the inner surface is yellow-white to grayish white, some with slight bloodstains or residual meat, after removing them, 9 bone plates can be seen, inlaid in a serrated manner; the front end is blunt or truncated, the rear end has a triangular notch, and there are wing-shaped bridges on both sides that are bent obliquely upward. Hard texture. It has a slightly fishy smell and a slightly salty taste.

[Preparation] Turtle shell: Place in a steamer and steam in boiling water for 45 minutes. Take out and put in hot water. Immediately use a hard brush to remove the skin and flesh, wash and dry.

【Nature and flavor】Salty, sweet, slightly cold.

[entry into meridians] Enter the liver, kidney and heart meridians.

[Functions and indications] Nourishes yin and suppresses yang, benefits the kidneys and strengthens bones, nourishes blood and replenishes the heart. It is used for hot flashes due to yin deficiency, night sweats due to bone steaming, dizziness, internal wind movement, weakness of muscles and bones, and forgetfulness due to heart deficiency.

【Usage and Dosage】 9-24g, decocted first.

【Storage】 Store in a dry place to prevent moth damage.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

The above is an introduction to the medicinal value of turtle shell. From the above introduction, it can be seen that turtle shell is a good medicinal material for nourishing blood and heart, nourishing yin and suppressing yang. If you need warming and nourishing, you can use turtle shell as a formula to regulate your body. Although turtle shell has high medicinal value, it should be used under the guidance of a professional doctor.