Extinguish Wind Stop Tremors: Gou Teng (Hook Vine)

Gou Teng

钩藤 radix uncariae cum uncis

"Hook Vine" / Gambir / "Cat's Claw"

COOL
SWEET

LIVER and HEART/PC

INTERNAL and EXTERNAL WIND HEAT; Childhood convulsions, tremors, liver fire, LYR, Releases the Exterior


6-15 grams, do not decoct for longer than fifteen minutes

Do not use if wind-heat or heat from excess are not present.

Light, clearing, and cooling, Gou Teng is able to drain fire and to settle wind that are causing convulsions and seizures, or more mildly dizziness, headaches, and red eyes. It is particularly appropriate for childhood convulsions, which is easy to remember because the fancy little herb looks like toy monkey tails that would be fun to play with. Also, it is for both INTERNAL and EXTERNAL wind-heat - and a way to remember that is that it is a hook that comes from the outside and penetrates to the inside.

1. Extinguish Wind / Alleviate Spasms

* tremors, seizures, eclampsia due to Liver heat with internal Liver wind stirring

2. Drains Liver Heat / Pacifies Liver Yang

* headache
* irritability
* red eyes
* dizziness
* hypertension

3. Releases the exterior

* Wind-heat with fever, headache, red eyes