Tortoise (plastron)

Functions

• Tonify Liver Yin
• Tonify Kidney Yin
• Subdue Yang
• Strengthen Bones
• Nourish Yin
• Anchor the Yang
• Benefit the Kidneys
• Nourish Blood
• Enrich Yin
• Stabilize the Penetrating Vessel
• Cool Blood
• Stop Bleeding
• Tonify the Heart

Contraindications

• Pregnancy

Summary

The tortoise shell is a medicinal substance used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is considered to be cold and salty in nature and has a sweet flavor. It is believed to have effects on the heart, kidney, and liver meridians. Some of the functions attributed to the tortoise shell in TCM include tonifying liver yin, tonifying kidney yin, subduing yang, strengthening bones, nourishing yin, anchoring the yang, benefiting the kidneys, nourishing blood, enriching yin, stabilizing the Penetrating Vessel, cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, and tonifying the heart. It is generally contraindicated for use during pregnancy.