Product Overview
Parts used: Dried stems and thorns from the branches
TCM category: Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
TCM nature: Cool
TCM taste(s): Sweet
Meridian affinity: Liver Pericardium
Scientific name: Uncaria rhynchophylla, Uncaria macrophylla, Uncaria hirsuta, Uncaria sinensis or Uncaria sessilifructus
Other names: Hook Vine, Cat's claw, Gambier
Use of gambir stems and thorns (Gou Teng) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove the stems and thorns from the branches, cut into sections and dry.
Dosage: 6 - 15 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Calms Liver Wind and relieves spasms. Clears Liver Heat and sedates Liver Yang.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which gambir stems and thorns may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Headache Dizziness Eclampsia Hypertension Seizures Convulsions
Common TCM formulas in which gambir stems and thorns are used*:
For high blood pressure combine gambir stems and thorns with chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua), cassia seeds (Jue Ming Zi) and white peony roots (Bai Shao).
For Deficient Kidney and Liver Yin patterns with symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, headache and hypertension combine gambir stems and thorns with heal-all spikes (Xia Ku Cao), baikal skullcap roots (Huang Qin) and chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua).
For headaches caused by hyperactive Liver Yang with hypertension combine gambir stems and thorns with gastrodia rhizomes (Tian Ma), baikal skullcap roots (Huang Qin) and achyranthes roots (Niu Xi).
Key TCM concepts behind gambir stems and thorns (Gou Teng)'s properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), gambir stems and thorns are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors' category. These herbs are used to treat so-called 'hyperactive Liver Yang'. Concretely this translates into high blood pressure as well as seizures, spasms, convulsions, dizziness and vertigo. These herbs often seem to have a powerful antispasmodic effect on the nervous system.
Furthermore gambir stems and thorns are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that gambir stems and thorns tend to help people who have too much "heat" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much heat in their body are said to either have a Yang excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition gambir stems and thorns can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Gambir stems and thorns also taste Sweet. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like gambir stems and thorns tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such gambir stems and thorns are thought to target the Liver and the Pericardium. In TCM the Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and body fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. The Pericardium is also called the "heart protector". It is the first line of defence for the Heart against external pathogenic influences.
