Uncaria Stem With Hooks (Gou Teng)

鉤藤

Uncaria stem (Gouteng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis

Botanical Name: 1. Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks.. 2. Uncaria hirsuta Havil.. 3. Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil. 4. Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb.

Common Name: Uncaria stem with hooks

Source of Earliest Record: Mingyi Bielu

Part Used: The uncaria stems with hooks are gathered in spring or autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces.

Natural Properties & Taste: Sweet and slightly cold

Meridians: Liver and pericardium

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To eliminate endogenous wind and stop spasms.
2. To clear heat and pacify the liver.

Indications & Combinations:
1. Stirring up of the liver wind by excessive heat manifested as high fever, spasms and convulsions. Uncaria stem (Gouteng) is used with Antelope’s horn (Lingyangjiao), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua) and Gypsum (Shigao).

2. Deficient yin of the liver and kidneys and hyperactivity of liver yang or excessive heat in the liver meridian manifested as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision and headache. Uncaria stem (Gouteng) is used with Prunella spike (Xiakucao), Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Sea-ear shell (Shijueming) and Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua).

Dosage: 10-15 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should not be cooked for a long time.