Uncaria Stem (Gouteng)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis |
| Botanical Name: | Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks. Uncaria hirsute Havil. Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb. |
| Common Name: | Uncaria Stem with Hooks |
| Source of Earliest Record: | Mingyi Bielu |
| Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: | The Uncaria stems with hooks are gathered in spring or autumn, dried in the sun and cut into pieces. |
| Properties and Taste: | Sweet and slightly cold |
| Meridian: | Liver and pericardium |
| Functions: | To eliminate endogenous wind and stop spasms To clear heat and pacify the liver |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Stirring up of the liver wind by excessive heat manifested as high fever, spasms and convulsions. *Use 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. *Use with Prunella spike (Xiakucao), Scutellaria root (Huangqin), Sea-ear shell (Shijueming) and Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua). |
| Dosage: | 10-15 g |
| Cautions: | This herb should not be cooked for a long time. |