Bie Jia
Trionyx sinensis Wiegmann
☯ TCM Properties
Nourishes Yin and Subdues Yang; Clears Deficiency Heat and Reduces Steaming Bone Disorder; Dissipates Nodules and Softens Hardness; Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms; Invigorates Blood and Regulates Menstruation
Botanical Description
Bie Jia is the dried dorsal carapace and ventral plastron of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (formerly Trionyx sinensis), family Trionychidae. The turtle is a freshwater reptile native to ponds, rivers, and marshes of East Asia, distinguished by a leathery, pliable shell lacking horny scutes, an elongated snorkel-like snout, and webbed feet. Adults reach 25-33 cm in shell length. After the animal is processed for food, the shells are scalded, scraped clean of flesh, and sun-dried for medicinal use. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bie Jia is classified as salty and cold, entering the Liver and Kidney channels, used to nourish yin, anchor rising yang, and soften masses. (Sources: Wikipedia; Chinese Materia Medica)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Bie Jia (soft-shell turtle plastron) is a cold, salty substance used in Chinese medicine to nourish Yin, anchor Yang, and soften hard masses. It is applied for Yin deficiency patterns with deficiency heat — including afternoon fever, night sweats, and bone-steaming sensations — and for malarial patterns with persistent fever. Its softening action on hardened masses addresses abdominal masses, scrofula, and splenomegaly from Blood stasis and Yin deficiency. Like Gui Ban (tortoise plastron), it is a profound Yin-restoring mineral substance for exhaustion syndromes.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.