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Gou Teng (鉤藤), the hooked stem of Uncaria, clears heat and calms the Liver and extinguishes wind to stop tremor and convulsion; widely used for childhood convulsions and for hypertension with Liver yang/heat.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Uncaria rhynchophylla (Ramulus cum Uncis Uncariae)
Common English Name
Uncaria / gambir vine
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Cool
Channels Entered
Liver, Pericardium
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and calms the Liver (subdues ascendant yang)
- Extinguishes wind and stops tremor and convulsion
Indications
Childhood convulsions and seizures; tremor and spasm from Liver wind; and headache, dizziness and red eyes from Liver heat or yang, including hypertension.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction (add near the end; do not over-cook).
Common Combinations
With Tian Ma (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin) for Liver-yang/wind.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in the absence of heat or wind.