Uncaria Vine

Uncaria Vine (Gou Teng): A Sweet Herb for Extinguishing Wind and Calming the Liver

Introduction

Uncaria vine, known as Gou Teng (钩藤) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sweet and slightly cold. It is valued for extinguishing Liver wind, relieving spasms, and calming the Liver. Gou Teng is especially used for dizziness, tremors, convulsions, and hypertension. Its ability to clear heat and pacify internal wind makes it essential for neurological and cardiovascular health.

What Is Uncaria Vine?

Gou Teng comes from the hook-bearing branches of Uncaria rhynchophylla and related species, a climbing plant native to East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as sweet and slightly cold, entering the Liver and Pericardium meridians. Its unique hooked stems symbolize its role in “hooking” and calming internal wind disturbances.

Health Benefits of Uncaria Vine

Extinguishes Liver wind and relieves spasms – Effective for tremors, convulsions, dizziness, and childhood seizures.

Calms the Liver and lowers blood pressure – Often used for hypertension with headache, red eyes, and irritability.

Clears heat and benefits the head – Useful for feverish conditions with restlessness and headache.

How to Use Uncaria Vine

Decoction – Commonly boiled with other herbs for calming the Liver and lowering blood pressure.

Powder – Ground into formulas to address convulsions or tremors.

Formulas – Frequently combined with Tian Ma, Shi Jue Ming, or Zhen Zhu Mu in treatments for wind-heat and hypertension.

Where to Buy Uncaria Vine

TCM shops – Available as dried hooked stems.

Herbal suppliers – Sold online in bulk or within classical formulas.

Look for: thin stems with prominent hooks and a mild, sweet-bitter taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Gou Teng is cooling and should be used cautiously in cases of weak digestion, cold deficiency, or low blood pressure. Overuse may cause dizziness or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion

Uncaria vine (Gou Teng) is a vital herb for extinguishing internal wind, calming the Liver, and supporting neurological and cardiovascular health. Its hooks and cooling nature make it indispensable for tremors, dizziness, and hypertension linked to Liver wind.

FAQ

Can it help with high blood pressure? – Yes, it is commonly prescribed for hypertension with symptoms of dizziness, headache, or red eyes.

Does it calm seizures? – Yes, it is traditionally used for childhood convulsions and spasms.

Is it safe for daily use? – It should be taken under professional guidance, especially for those with low blood pressure or weak digestion.