Trionyx sinensis (Wiegmann)；Trionyx steindachneri Siebenrock
Aliases：Biē Shǒu (Turtle Head, from Zhongyao Zhi / Chinese Materia Medica).
Biē Tóu (Turtle Head) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the head of Trionyx sinensis (Wiegmann) (Chinese soft-shelled turtle) or Trionyx steindachneri Siebenrock (wattle-necked soft-shelled turtle), animals belonging to the family Trionychidae. The product is long conical in shape, with a pointed snout tip and the neck curving upward, approximately 6 cm in length. The outer surface is greyish-brown with slight shrinkage folds. It is hard in texture, not easily broken, and has a fishy odor. This medicinal material was first recorded in the Xinxiu Bencao (Newly Revised Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Supplements Qi and assists Yang. It is also recorded as having the effect of lifting the sunken Yang.
Indications
Indicated for chronic dysentery, rectal prolapse, postpartum uterine prolapse, and genital sores.
Ingredients
Contains proteins, amino acids, and various trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: bake and grind into powder, 3–6 g; or take in pills. Some sources also document burning to ash, grinding into powder, and taking orally. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, burn to ash, grind into powder, and apply topically.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold, poor appetite with loose stools, and during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with hyperuricemia and gout—as turtle head contains relatively high purine content. Use with caution in those with allergic predisposition.
Selected Formulas
For rectal prolapse (Qianjin Yaofang, Bie Tou Wan) Take two turtle heads (roast until charred), one small hedgehog skin (roast until charred), 4 liang of Cishi (Magnetite), and 3 liang of Guixin (Cinnamon). Grind the four ingredients into powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of soybeans. For children aged 3 to 5, take 5 to 10 pills each time, three times daily. For chronic rectal prolapse that has not healed for years (Qianjin Yaofang) Take one turtle head, burn until the smoke subsides, grind into fine powder, apply to the anus, and press with the hand. For infantile emaciation due to overwork, with alternating chills and fever (Sheng Hui Fang) Take one turtle head, burn to ash, and grind into fine powder. Take 0.5 qian each time with fresh water. For postpartum uterine prolapse (Qianjin Yaofang) Take five turtle heads, burn to ash, and take 1 square‑cun spoonful with well water, three times daily. For balanitis in men and vaginal sores with rectal prolapse in women (Puji Fang) Take the shell of a turtle head, burn to ash, mix with egg white, and apply externally. For unnamed toxic swellings on the fingers (Guangxi Medicinal Animals) Take one turtle head, 9 pieces of snake slough, 6 centipedes, and 50 seeds of red‑stemmed castor bean. Dry‑roast and grind into powder, mix with sesame oil, and apply to the affected area. For sequelae of cerebral concussion (Chinese Animal Medicines) Take one turtle head and 15g of cucumber seeds, grind together into fine powder, divide into 3 equal portions, and take orally within one day, with yellow wine as a guide. Five turtle heads constitute one course of treatment.
Medicinal Parts
The head of Trionyx sinensis (Chinese soft-shelled turtle) or Trionyx steindachneri (wattle-necked soft-shelled turtle), animals belonging to the family Trionychidae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
