What are the effects and benefits of the Chinese herb Softshell Turtle Shell (Biejia)?

Soft-shelled turtle shell is derived from the carapace of the soft-shelled turtle (Trionychidae family). Generally, soft-shelled turtle shell has various effects, including promoting blood circulation, resolving hard lumps and nodules, nourishing yin and subduing yang, anti-aging properties, and enhancing immunity. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Promoting Blood Circulation

Soft-shelled turtle shell can invigorate blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, improving microcirculation. It has preventive and adjunctive therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. By promoting blood circulation, it reduces blood viscosity, prevents thrombosis, maintains vascular patency, and is beneficial for preventing diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension.

2. Softening and Dissipating Hard Lumps

Soft-shelled turtle shell has the effect of softening and dispersing nodules, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating symptoms such as masses or nodules caused by qi and blood stagnation. It is commonly used to treat nodules in various parts of the body, such as thyroid nodules, breast nodules, uterine fibroids, as well as lymphadenitis and lymphatic tuberculosis.

3. Nourishing Yin and Subduing Yang

Soft-shelled turtle shell has a salty and cold nature and acts on the liver and kidney meridians. It nourishes liver and kidney yin and balances yin and yang. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as persistent low-grade fever, night sweats, and consumptive fever caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys, as well as dizziness, vertigo, and internal wind due to hyperactivity of yang from yin deficiency. It effectively replenishes body fluids, regulates yin-yang balance, and alleviates symptoms caused by yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity.

4. Anti-Aging

Soft-shelled turtle shell contains antioxidant substances, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which can remove free radicals in the body, delay cellular aging, and have certain anti-aging effects. Additionally, the nutrients in soft-shelled turtle shell can enhance immune function and improve physical health.

5. Enhancing Immunity

Soft-shelled turtle shell contains various active components, such as polysaccharides and proteins, which can enhance human immunity and improve the body's resistance. It can increase the transformation rate of lymphoblasts, thereby prolonging the duration of antibody activity and helping to prevent diseases.

In daily life, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, adjust diet, and engage in appropriate exercise to support overall health.