Turtle shell glue is made by boiling the carapace of the Chinese softshell turtle (Trionyx sinensis Wiegmann) or the Chinese softshell turtle (T.steindachneri Siebenrock). After capturing the turtle, the carapace is extracted, cleaned, and boiled in water to extract the glue. This process is repeated 3-5 times until the glue is fully extracted. The extracted glue is then filtered and combined (or a little alum powder is added), and left to settle before filtering out the clear glue. The glue is then heated over low heat while continuously stirring, and concentrated (or a suitable amount of honey and rock sugar is added) until it becomes a thick paste. The paste is poured into a gelatin tray and left to naturally solidify. The solidified glue is then cut into small pieces and dried in the shade.
[Processing method] Take the raw medicinal material and remove any impurities and debris before crushing it.
[Characteristics of the medicinal slices] The turtle shell glue is irregularly shaped or granular, dark brown in color, hard and brittle in texture, with a shiny cross-section that is transparent when exposed to light. It has a slight fishy odor and a mild taste.
[Processing purpose] Turtle shell glue has a cool and slightly cold nature. It has the functions of nourishing yin, reducing fever, softening hardness, and dispersing clumps. After processing, impurities and debris are removed, making the medicine purer. It is used for conditions such as yin deficiency with tidal fever, deficiency fatigue with coughing up blood, chronic malaria, malaria during pregnancy, hemorrhoids with swelling and pain, and blood deficiency causing amenorrhea. When finely ground with Scutellaria baicalensis, Bupleurum chinense, Eupolyphaga sinensis, and Rheum officinale, and made into honey pills, it can be taken with boiling water to treat persistent diarrhea and three-day malaria (Common Medicinal Animals).
