Guī Bǎn Jiāo (龟板胶) — tortoise plastron gelatin
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, Gou Qi Zi and Han Lian Cao.
On this page
1. Overview
Guī Bǎn Jiāo (龟板胶) — tortoise plastron gelatin (Testudinis Plastri Gelatinum) — 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 Guī Bǎn Jiāo 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 | Guī Bǎn Jiāo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 龟板胶 |
| Source | tortoise plastron gelatin (Testudinis Plastri Gelatinum) |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Liver, Heart |
| Traditional category | Nourish Yin |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Guī Bǎn Jiāo was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Nourishes Yin and the Blood
- Anchors floating Yang
- Stops deficiency uterine bleeding
Traditional indications
- Yin and Blood deficiency with heat
- Deficiency uterine bleeding and weak bones
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Guī Bǎn Jiāo, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shu Di Huang, Gou Qi Zi and Han Lian Cao. 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 Guī Bǎn Jiāo is not used in my practice, 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 Guī Bǎn Jiāo
Guī Bǎn Jiāo appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
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