Tortoise Plastron … Classic Formulas
Gui Ban · Plastrum Testudinis
Primary Actions
- Nourishes Yin and anchors rising Yang ... raw Gui Ban is used for chronic deficiency patterns with tidal heat, dizziness, bone steaming, and restless depletion.
- Strengthens bone and fills marrow ... classical use extends to weak low back and knees, developmental weakness, and long-standing structural depletion.
- Supports blood and stabilizes deep deficiency patterns ... tortoise plastron is also used when Chong and Ren weakness, deficiency heat, and constitutional exhaustion appear together.
Classic Formulas
- Da Bu Yin Wan ... the classic Kidney-Yin and deficiency-heat formula where Gui Ban helps cool bone steaming while supporting deep depletion.
- Da Ding Feng Zhu ... tortoise plastron enriches Yin and extinguishes internal wind in severe chronic deficiency patterns.
- Zuo Gui Wan and related essence-tonifying strategies ... Gui Ban or its gelatin derivatives are selected when marrow and structural support are central.
Classical Text References
- Materia medica tradition describes Gui Ban as nourishing Yin, suppressing Yang, strengthening bone, and benefiting chronic deficiency states.
- Its heavy descending nature explains why it appears in long-cook formulas for deep deficiency rather than in quick symptomatic treatment.