Biē Jiǎ (鳖甲) — soft-shelled turtle shell
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
I do not use this substance on animal-welfare grounds, and it is not prescribed in my practice. Related species are also restricted under endangered-species and welfare rules.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Shu Di Huang, Qing Hao and Mu Dan Pi.
On this page
1. Overview
Biē Jiǎ (鳖甲) — soft-shelled turtle shell (Trionycis Carapax) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that nourish Yin. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Biē Jiǎ or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Biē Jiǎ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 鳖甲 |
| Source | soft-shelled turtle shell (Trionycis Carapax) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Salty |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Traditional category | Nourish Yin |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Biē Jiǎ was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Nourishes Yin and anchors Yang
- Clears deficiency heat
- Softens hardness and dispels masses
Traditional indications
- Yin deficiency with night sweats and tidal fever
- Abdominal masses
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Biē Jiǎ, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shu Di Huang, Qing Hao and Mu Dan Pi. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
On animal-welfare grounds Biē Jiǎ is not used in my practice, and endangered-species and welfare rules mean it is not prescribed in UK Chinese herbal practice. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Formulas containing Biē Jiǎ
Biē Jiǎ appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Biē Jiǎ Jiān Wán — Turtle Shell Decocted Pill
- Da Ding Feng Zhu — Major Calm Wind Pearl Decoction
- Qing Gu San — Cool the Bones Powder
- Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang — Sweet Wormwood & Turtle Shell Decoction
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
