David S. Lee & Liao Shi
David S. Lee & Liao Shi Kun In der chinesischen Kultur wird Schildkröten eine positive Wirkung auf Yin und Yang zugesprochen. Eine seltsam anmutende Mischung aus traditioneller Philosophie, Kultur und medizinisch-ernährungsphysiologischen Ansichten erkennt Schildkrötenprodukten eine ausgewogene Wirkung auf beide zu, während die meisten anderen Nahrungsmittel lediglich dem einen oder dem anderen zuträglich sein sollen. Yang-Nahrungsmittel sollen Männer und deren Sexualkraft stärken, während Yin-Nahrungsmittel Frauen gesund sowie strahlend und jugendlich schön erhalten sollen, und der Verzehr von Schildkröten ist dshalb so weit verbreitet, weil dieser angeblich sowohl dem Yin als auch dem Yang förderlich sein soll. Fig. 8. Slaughtering a turtle. Photo: T. Blanck evolving as traditional medicine meets 21 st century economics in a quickly emerging economy. various turtles, snakes, birds and other consumed creatures are believed to have specific healing properties. These beliefs are not actually that different than the use of herbal medicines in other cultures. Approximately 90% of China’s modern day society believes that traditional Chinese medicines work, and are supportive of the exploitation of wildlife for their use. Culturally, marine turtles, soft-shell turtles, and hard-shell freshwater turtles are recognized as distinct commodities in Chinese medicine. The story is quietly Fig. 7. Chelonians at a Chinese dealer, including Elongated Tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) and Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Photo: T. Blanck Major use of hard-shelled freshwater turtle parts for health and medical benefits (The following is compiled from Materia Medica and other ancient Chinese medicine books.) Turtle carapace and plastron: In ancient times the plastrons of Yellow Pond Turtles, Mauremys mutica, Chinese Three-striped Box Turtles, Cuora trifasciata, and Reeves’ Turtles, Mauremys reevesii, were used to enrich yin and tonify yang. The lower shell was believed to improve dual deficiency of ying and yang, treat impotence, protect bones, and nourish the kidneys. It was also used to cure hematemesis, cough, nocturnal emissions, menstruation pain, back pain, bone atrophy, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, calcium deficiency, and cancer. In modern times the carapace and plastron of any freshwater turtle is used. The shell is either ground into powder or cooked in water 15–30 minutes prior to adding herbs. Turtle meat: Consumption of turtle meat, with blood added, is thought 6 RADIATA 23 (2), 2014
Turtles in Traditional Chinese Medicine enrich yin by a therapeutic method of supplementing yin fluid to and counteract what is known as exuberant yang. It also serves as a preventative or cure for bone disease, cough, hemoptysis, malaria, bloody stool, hemorrhoids, and aching pain. Turtle blood: The drinking of turtle blood, mixed with sugar and wine is reported to cure prolapse of the rectum, bruises, bronchitis, cough, and asthma. Turtle bile: Like turtle blood bile is mixed with sugar and wine and prepared as a drink to cure ailments. Specifically, it is used help with swelling of the eyes, irregular menstruation, cough, and asthma. Turtle heads: Consumption of turtle heads is reported to help with cerebral concussion, dizziness, headache, and prolapse of the rectum. Turtle skin: Eating turtle skins is regarded as a remedy for various blood diseases. Figs. 9. & 10. Some 90 % of today’s Chinese believe in the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine and support the utilization of wild animals for this purpose. Photos: T. Blanck RADIATA 23 (2), 2014 7
