Gui Ban Jiao, also known as Testudinis Plastrum Gelatinum or Tortoise Shell Glue, is a rich, sweet, and slightly cold tonic used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish Yin, anchor Yang, strengthen bones, and cool the Blood. It is made by decocting and concentrating the plastron (ventral shell) of the freshwater turtle. Gui Ban Jiao is stronger than raw Gui Ban and is especially valuable in chronic Yin Deficiency conditions involving internal heat, bone weakness, or bleeding due to heat in the blood.
Functions & Benefits
Nourishes Yin & Anchors Yang
Gui Ban Jiao deeply nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin. It is used to relieve symptoms such as night sweats, tidal fever, dizziness, tinnitus, and heat in the palms and soles. It anchors floating Yang and is particularly helpful in chronic conditions where Yin is unable to restrain internal fire.
Strengthens Bones & Replenishes Essence
This herb strengthens the bones and joints and replenishes Essence in the Kidney system. It is used in cases of developmental delays in children, weakness in the spine or knees, or degenerative bone and joint conditions caused by Kidney Yin Deficiency.
Cools the Blood & Stops Bleeding
Gui Ban Jiao clears heat from the blood and is used for conditions involving bleeding due to Yin Deficiency heat, such as uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, or nosebleeds. It helps stabilize the body’s internal cooling mechanisms.
Calms the Spirit & Supports Deficiency Recovery
It is sometimes included in formulas for anxiety, palpitations, or insomnia due to deficiency heat affecting the Heart. Gui Ban Jiao supports convalescence in chronic illness where Yin and Blood have been depleted.
Indications
Night sweats, tidal fever, and steaming bone sensations from Kidney Yin Deficiency.
Weak bones, sore back and knees, or developmental delays in children.
Chronic uterine bleeding, blood in stools, or other signs of internal heat in the blood.
Anxiety, palpitations, or restlessness from Yin Deficiency disturbing the Heart.
Post-illness fatigue and debility with depleted Yin and Essence.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with little or no coating, possibly dry and peeled, indicating Yin Deficiency with heat.
Pulse: Thin and rapid or floating and empty, showing deficiency of Yin with internal heat.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Gui Ban Jiao
Gui Ban Jiao is used for Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Deficiency Heat in the Blood, Weak Bones due to Jing (Essence) Deficiency, and Yin-Deficiency Bleeding. These conditions often involve heat symptoms, bleeding, bone weakness, or nervous agitation.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for Spleen Deficiency with dampness, loose stools, or poor digestion.
Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Avoid in cases of cold from deficiency or when there are signs of excess phlegm or stagnation.
Should be combined with Qi-tonifying herbs in cases of severe deficiency.
