Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (天麻钩藤饮) — Gastrodia and Uncaria Drink
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What is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin?
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin — Gastrodia and Uncaria Drink — was developed in the 1950s specifically to calm Liver Yang, extinguish Wind and clear Heat, addressing both the acute manifestations of rising Liver Yang (headache, dizziness, hypertension) and the underlying Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency that allows Yang to rise unchecked. It has become one of the most widely researched Chinese herbal formulas for hypertension and neurological conditions, with a substantial evidence base confirming its blood pressure-lowering and neuroprotective effects.
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin TCM pattern
Prescribed for Liver Yang rising with Liver Wind agitating internally, arising on a background of Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. Characterised by: headaches (particularly at the vertex, temples or occiput), dizziness and vertigo, tinnitus, insomnia, a flushed face, bitter taste, irritability, lower back and knee weakness, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a wiry, rapid pulse.
Key herbs
- Tian Ma (Gastrodia elata rhizome, 6-9g) — extinguishes Liver Wind and calms Liver Yang; the most important herb in TCM for Wind-related neurological conditions; confirmed blood pressure-lowering effects in multiple studies
- Gou Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla hook, 6-15g) — clears Liver Heat and extinguishes Wind; confirmed antihypertensive in clinical research
- Shi Jue Ming (Haliotis diversicolor shell, 3-24g) — heavily sinks and anchors Liver Yang; cools the Liver
- Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula officinalis root, 6-12g) — invigorates Blood and guides Blood and Yang downward, redirecting ascending Liver Yang
- Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides bark, 6-12g) — tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthens the lower back; nourishes the Yin foundation to anchor Yang
- Sang Ji Sheng (Loranthus parasiticus stem, 6-24g) — tonifies Liver and Kidney; strengthens sinews and bones
- Ye Jiao Teng (Polygonum multiflorum stem, 6-30g) — nourishes Blood and calms the Shen; promotes sleep
Formula actions
- Extinguishes Liver Wind
- Subdues Liver Yang
- Clears Heat
- Invigorates Blood
- Tonifies Liver and Kidney
TCM patterns and conditions where it is used
The formula is used for the TCM pattern of Liver Yang rising with underlying Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. The presentations within that pattern include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — systematic review of 22 RCTs evaluated Tianma Gouteng Yin as adjunctive treatment alongside antihypertensive medication and reported associated improvements in blood pressure control in the trials studied[1]
- Liver Yang rising headaches — severe headaches at the temples or vertex with red eyes and irritability
- Liver Wind dizziness and vertigo — with internal tremor sensations or unsteadiness
- Liver Yang harassing the ear — tinnitus on the Kidney Yin deficient background
- Liver Yang disturbing the Shen — restless sleep with vivid dreams on the Yin-deficient background
- Post-stroke patterns of Liver Wind residue (in TCM clinical practice, alongside conventional care)
Should be used alongside, not instead of, prescribed antihypertensive medication. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly. Always inform your doctor of all herbal medicines taken.
Cautions
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
References
[1] Wang J, Xiong X, Liu W. Tianma Gouteng Yin as Adjunctive Treatment for Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:706125. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/706125. PMID: 23710230.
