Can turtle shells be dried and ground into powder to eat

Dried and ground turtle shells can be eaten, but they need to be used under professional guidance. Turtle shell powder has the effects of nourishing yin and yang, softening hardness and dispersing lumps, and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for conditioning.

Turtle shell powder is rich in collagen, calcium, and trace elements. Traditional medicine believes that it can help improve symptoms such as yin deficiency, excessive fire, bone steaming, and hot flashes. When using, attention should be paid to the strict processing of turtle shells to remove fishy odor and impurities. Untreated raw turtle shells may carry parasites or bacteria. Turtle shell powder is usually used in combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs, and taking it alone may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa due to its hard texture. Some people may have allergic reactions, such as skin itching or gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women, children, and those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold should avoid taking turtle shell powder on their own. The nature of turtle shells is relatively cool, and long-term overdose may lead to diarrhea or abdominal pain. Modern research shows that its calcium absorption rate is limited and cannot replace conventional calcium supplements. Turtle shell powder may interact with some medications, so caution should be exercised when taking anticoagulant or steroid drugs.

It is recommended to use turtle shell powder under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to avoid collecting wild turtles for production. Regular calcium supplements such as dairy products and soy products can be prioritized for daily health care. If symptoms such as nausea and bloating occur during use, they should be stopped immediately. Turtle shell powder should not be eaten with strong tea or radish. When storing, it should be moisture-proof, mold proof, and kept in a dry and cool environment.