- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- East Asia, especially China
Asia · Herb · № 773
Uncaria rhynchophylla
Herb · Asia
Gambir hook vine (gou teng)
Uncaria rhynchophylla
Traditionally attributed effects: calms liver wind and rising liver yang in headache, dizziness and high blood pressure.
Safety notes
Always have high blood pressure, convulsions and seizures treated medically. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Twigs with hooked thorns. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'substances that calm internal liver wind'. According to Chinese medicine the hooks of this climber calm liver wind, for headache, dizziness and convulsions in children. It is part of Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and the Japanese Yokukansan and Chotosan, which is being studied in Japan for agitation in dementia.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, slightly cold
- Meridians
- heart, liver, pericardium
Attributed effects
For convulsions, trembling and cramps from liver heat and for headache, dizziness, irritability and high blood pressure from rising liver yang; supportive in liver and kidney yin deficiency with dizziness and blurred vision.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 6–15 g a day, boiled for no longer than 10 minutes. Related to the South American cat's claw.
Combinations
- With self-heal, huang qin and chrysanthemum for dizziness and high blood pressure
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction