Gastrodia and Uncaria (Tian Ma Gou Teng Tang) | Herbal Tincture

Tian Ma Gou Teng Tang, or Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, is a modern Chinese medicine formula created in 1958. Our tincture is a liquid version of it, sometimes called Chase the Wind. In TCM terms it is said to clear heat, extinguish wind, and nourish the Liver and Kidney. It takes its name from its two signature herbs, Tian Ma (gastrodia rhizome) and Gou Teng (uncaria stem with hooks).

In Chinese medicine this formula is traditionally used for a pattern called Liver yang rising, or internal Liver wind. That pattern can show up as headaches, dizziness, tension in the neck and shoulders, twitching, or trembling. It is described as working best for people with an underlying deficiency in their constitution, so the formula both settles the upper body and nourishes the Liver and Kidney at the root.

The tincture contains eleven herbs. They are Shi Jue Ming (abalone shell), Sang Ji Sheng (taxillus), Gou Teng (uncaria), Ye Jiao Teng (fleeceflower stem), Fu Shen (poria), Yi Mu Cao (motherwort), Tian Ma (gastrodia), Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit), Huang Qin (scutellaria), Du Zhong (eucommia bark), and Chuan Niu Xi (cyathula root). Together they cool, settle, and nourish in the classic TCM sense.

Shake the bottle well, then add 1 to 2 droppers (about 1/2 teaspoon) to warm water or juice and drink it 2 to 3 times a day. That is the maintenance serving. The augmented serving is 1 full teaspoon 2 to 3 times daily, also in warm water or juice. Taking it in something warm is easier on the palate than taking it straight.

Chinese herbs work by gradually restoring balance, so this formula is usually taken for at least a month, and often longer, before people judge how it is going. Results depend on the individual and what is being addressed. One bottle lasts about 10 days at the maintenance serving, so most people plan on several bottles for a full course.

Avoid this formula during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a practitioner advises it, since it contains herbs such as Yi Mu Cao and Chuan Niu Xi that are traditionally said to move blood downward. If you take any prescription medicines, especially for blood pressure or blood thinning, check with your doctor first. It also contains abalone shell, which matters for anyone avoiding shellfish.

Yes, it is an alcohol-based liquid extract, which is how the herbs are drawn out and preserved. To cut down the alcohol, add your dose to hot water and let it sit for a few minutes so much of the alcohol evaporates before you drink it. Mixing it into warm water or juice also softens the earthy, slightly bitter taste.

Each bottle holds 1 oz with a dropper included, which works out to about a 10 day supply at the maintenance serving. It is made in the USA by root + spring. If you are taking the augmented serving of a full teaspoon at a time, a bottle will go faster, so plan your reorder accordingly.