Guī Bǎn (龟板) — tortoise plastron
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, Nu Zhen Zi and Han Lian Cao.
On this page
1. Overview
Guī Bǎn (龟板) — tortoise plastron (Testudinis Plastrum) — 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 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 |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 龟板 |
| Source | tortoise plastron (Testudinis Plastrum) |
| 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 was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Nourishes Yin and anchors Yang
- Benefits the Kidneys and strengthens the bones
- Nourishes the Blood and the Heart
Traditional indications
- Yin deficiency with rising Yang and dizziness
- Weak bones and sinews
- Deficiency bleeding
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Guī Bǎn, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Shu Di Huang, Gou Qi Zi, Nu Zhen 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 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 Guī Bǎn
Guī Bǎn appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
- Da Bu Yin Wan —
- Da Ding Feng Zhu — Major Calm Wind Pearl Decoction
- Gu Jing Wan — Stabilise the Menses Pill
- Guī Lù Èr Xiān Jiāo — Tortoise Shell and Deer Antler Syrup
- Hǔ Qián Wán — Hidden Tiger Pill
- Sang Piao Xiao San — Mantis Egg Case Powder
- Xiǎo Dìng Fēng Zhū — Minor Wind-Stabilising Pill
- Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang — Sedate the Liver and Extinguish Wind
- Zuo Gui Wan —
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