Uncaria, Gou Teng 钩藤
Gou Teng (TCM)
Ohwi, J. , Flora of Japan (1965)
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Botanical name:
Uncaria rhynchophylla, U. macrophylla, U. hirsuta, U. sinensis, U. sessiliffuctus, U. scandens, U. lancifolia, U. yunnanensis
Parts used:
Vine stem
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Sweet
Classifications:
I. Medicines for Internal Wind
Uncaria rhynchophylla, U. macrophylla, U. hirsuta, U. sinensis, U. sessiliffuctus, U. scandens, U. lancifolia, U. yunnanensis
Parts used:
Vine stem
Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Sweet
Classifications:
I. Medicines for Internal Wind
Uses:
1. Settles Wind, Stops Spasms:
-Spasms, Tremors
-Convulsions including those from high Fever; Epilepsy
-Dizziness, Vertigo
-Eclampsia
2. Clears Liver Wind-Heat:
-Headache, Irritability, dizziness, red eyes
-Hypertension
3. Clears Wind, Relieves the Exterior:
-Fever, Headache, Red and itchy eyes
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DOSE:
6–15 grams in decoction. It should not be decocted too long, so should be added in the last few minutes of boiling.
6–15 grams in decoction. It should not be decocted too long, so should be added in the last few minutes of boiling.
Main Combinations:
Usually combined with Gastrodia Tian Ma
1. Spasms, Convulsions, Seizures:
i. Childhood convulsions from Internal Wind, with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Scorpion (Quan Xie), White Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can), Cicada shell (Chan Tui) (as in Gou Teng Yin Zi from Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue [Key to Syndrome Identification and Treatment of Diseases in Infants]).
ii. from High Fever, with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Antelope horn (Ling Yang Jiao)
iii. Childhood Convulsions, with Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang), Coptis Huang Lian, Cicada shell (Chan Tui)
iv. Childhood Convulsions, with Gypsum Shi Gao, Dragon Teeth (Long Chi), Gardenia Zhi Zi
2. Childhood Epilepsy, with Saltpeter (Potassium nitrate) and Licorice (Gan Cao) (as in Yan Ling San from Tai ping sheng hui fang [Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief]).
3. Dizziness, Vertigo:
i. with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Chrysanthemum Ju Hua, Abalone shell (Shi Jue Ming)
ii. with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Achyranthes Niu Xi, Mistletoe (Sang Ji Sheng), Eucommia Du Zhong, Abalone shell (Shi Jue Ming) (as in Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)
4. Liver Heat with Headache, Dizziness, with Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao), Scutellaria Huang Qin
5. Hypertension, with Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao), Chrysanthemum Ju Hua, Abalone shell (Shi Jue Ming)
6. External Wind-Heat, with Peppermint (Bo He) and Schizonepetae Jing Jie
Major Formulas:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Bo Ying Compound
Yi Gan San
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
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Cautions:
1. Generally not used in the markedly weak (Qi deficiency)
2. Generally only used for Wind-Heat disorders.
3. Occasional adverse reactions occur including bradycardia, dizziness, rashes, reduced menstrual flow; these symptoms usually disappear spontaneously.
Main Preparations used:
1. Generally not used in the markedly weak (Qi deficiency)
2. Generally only used for Wind-Heat disorders.
3. Occasional adverse reactions occur including bradycardia, dizziness, rashes, reduced menstrual flow; these symptoms usually disappear spontaneously.
Main Preparations used: