Herbs that Tonify Yin
Gui Ban 龟板
Plastrum Testudinis Fresh Water Turtle Shell, Testudinis
✓ CALE Exam ✓ National Exam
Materia Medica Data
- Category
- Herbs that Tonify Yin
- Temperature
- Cold
- Nature & Flavour
- Salty, Sweet, Cold
- Channels Entered
- HT, KI, LIV
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Plastrum Testudinis
- Chinese
- 龟板
- Tone Marks
- guī băn
Chinese Herb Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Anchors Yang Dizziness, Vertigo, fever, nightsweats, steaming bone disorder due to Yin Deficiency with Rising Fire or Rising Yang. Also for facial spasms and tremors due to Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency leading to Internal Wind
- Tonifies Kidneys, Strengthens Bones For sore low back, weak legs, retarded skeletal growth, and non-closure of the fontanel in children due to Kidney Yin and Jing Deficiency
- Nourishes Blood and Tonfies the Heart Useful for insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness, and anxiety due to Heart Blood Deficiency
- Stops Uterine Bleeding, Cools Blood Treats irregular menstrual bleeding and hypermenorrhea due to Yin Deficiency Heat pushing the blood out of the vessels
- Promotes Healing of Sores Topically treats non-healing sores and ulcerations
- Stabilizes the Penetrating and Conception Vessels For Red and/or White vaginal discharge or uterine bleeding
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 15-45 grams in decoction 13
- 10-30 grams in decoction. Recommends crushing and pre-decoction. 12
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Do not use during pregnancy
- Do not use in patients with Damp-Cold or Deficiency related Cold or Diarrhea
Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose
- Allergic reactions have been reported with symptoms of chest oppression, hot sensations over the entire body and mild pruritus.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt