Turtle, Turle, Turtle . . .

I didn't realized it has been two weeks since the last post.  Time just flies when you having so much fun, or not.  However I have been dreading to write about this recipe because I am not sure how to really explain it all . . . why turtle?  Well . . . why not?

There are a lot of edible variety of turtles across the globe.  However export and import of edible turtles are heavily regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  Most species are now protected.


Mainly two species, Reeves' turtle and Chinese Softshell Turtles, are used as food and medicine in the current market.  A particular species called Golden Coin Turtles are used extensively to make a popular jelly called GuiLing Gao.  Due to extensive use it is now being reviewed to be listed as an endangered species.


Work is in progress to phase out the use of Golden Coin Turtle, replacing with only Softshell Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis.  This species breed and grow rapidly in tropical climate making it best choice to use as food and medicine.

For more information read  ENDANGERED SPECIES ISSUES AFFECTING TURTLES AND TORTOISES USED IN CHINESE MEDICINE

The recipe for this post is definitely not everybody's cup of tea.  I will only share one recipe of few that I know of.  If anyone who is reading this and wish to share their thoughts please do so.

The main focus of this dish is to Tonifies the Blood, Improve Qi circulation,  Boost Defensive Qi and Tonifies the Essence.

It is best prepared by double boiling.  So you will need a lidded ceramic pot which is big enough for all ingredients and 1.5 - 2 L water.  Here are the ingredients.

1 palm size turtle (Softshell or Reeves) - cleaned and cut to pieces.  If using Reeves, retain the shell.
30g fresh dried Rehmannia Glutinosa (Sheng DiHuang)
30g cooked dried Rehmannia Glutinosa (Shu DiHuang)
10 pieces Chinese red dates
30g Codonopsis (Dang Shen) - cut to pieces
30g Astragalus (Huang Qi)
10g Chinese Angelica (Dang Gui)
2 L hot boiled water

Method:

1. Prepare a pot of boiling water to poached the turtle meat.  Leaves the top shell if using Reeves'.  Bring to boil then let simmer for further 5 minutes.  Strain the water out then place the meat in a bowl of cold water.
2. Placed the herbs into the pot first before the turtle pieces.  If using Reeves turtle, turn the top shell over to save space just in case the lid cannot be secured.
3. Pour the hot water until it level with ingredients.  Make sure the water level is at least 2cm under the rim of the pot.  Secure the lid then place the pot in a deep container.
4. Fill the large container with hot water 3/4 level with the smaller pot.
5. Bring to boil then simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours.  Always check water content on both pots.  Add water if necessary.

Functions and Benefits:

1. Turtle - Tonifies Yin and Yang, taste Sweet and Neutral in nature.  Tones the Spleen, and Kidney Qi and Essence.
2. Sheng DiHuang - Clears heat and cool Blood, nourish Yin and promote body fluids.
3. Shu DiHuang - Tonifies Yin and nourish Blood.
4. Chinese Red Dates - Nourish Blood and sooth the mind, Tones Middle Burner Qi.
5. Dang Shen - Tonifies Central (Zhong) Qi, Tonifies Lung Qi, Nourish Blood and promote body fluids.
6. Huang Qi - Tonifies Qi and raise Yang, Tonifies Defensive (Wei) Qi, promote wound healing and reduces oedema.
7. Dang Gui - Tonifies Blood, invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain.

Precautions and Contraindications:

1. Sheng DiHuang is contraindicated in person with Spleen Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency.
2. Shi DiHuang is contraindicated in person with Qi stasis in the Middle Burner and deficiencies of Spleen and Stomach Qi.
3. Chinese red date is contraindicated to use when presence of excessive dampness accumulation and food stagnation.  It is also not recommended if presence of intestinal parasites.  Contraindicated to use as single herb or at large quantity.
4. Dang Shen is not recommended in cases with severe or with excessive heat or fire.
5. Huang Qi is not recommended in cases with Excessive Qi rising such as Liver Qi rising, presence of internal heat or fire, and lesions/sores cause by Heat pathogen.
6. Dang Gui is not contraindicated for person with Excessive conditions and severe Heat Yin deficiency.  Caution for those with Spleen Qi deficiency with abdominal distention or loose stool.

IMPORTANT:  This recipe uses quite a number of herbs AND at a higher dosage.  Thus it is not suitable for everybody.  Though it is recommended for new mother, it is purely base on INDIVIDUAL DIAGNOSIS.

You must consult your local TCM practitioner if you wish to try to make this medicinal soup for yourself.  Fail to do so may result in harm to your well being.

Thank you for reading.

Kenny Law
Australia Registered TCM Practitioner.
 

DISCLAIMER:
Information given are purely for references and it is not intent to diagnose medical conditions or to be used for self-diagnosed. Always consult medical health personnel for proper medical diagnosis.
 

© COPYRIGHT 2010 KENNY LAW

Sharing and/or reproduction of any part of this document is prohibited without written consent

For further reading: