Classic formula · Expel wind
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
天麻钩藤饮 Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction
The modern formula for Liver yang rising and the high blood pressure that goes with it. A pounding headache, dizziness, ringing ears, a red face, insomnia, and numb or trembling limbs, in a person whose Liver and Kidney yin can no longer hold the yang down. It calms the wind above and feeds the root below.
A kite climbing on a frayed string. Gastrodia and uncaria bring the kite down. Eucommia, mistletoe, and achyranthes repair the string so it does not climb again.
Also sold as: Tian Ma Gou Teng Wan · Gastrodia and Uncaria Formula
Who Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is for
This formula is chosen for 2 patterns. Match your own picture before you match the name.
Signs it is classically given for
- Headache that pounds or throbs, dizziness, vertigo
- High blood pressure with a red face
- Ringing ears, blurry vision
- Insomnia, vivid dreams
- Numb, trembling, or twitching limbs
- Irritability with a hot head and a sore back
- Tongue
- Red with a yellow coat.
- Pulse
- Wiry and rapid.
What is in Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Amounts are the classic decoction range in grams. Patent pills use the same herbs in the same proportion, so read the box for these names.
| Herb | Amount | Role | Job in the formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tian Ma Tall Gastrodia Tuber | 9 g | Chief | Gastrodia calms Liver wind and dizziness. |
| Gou Teng Uncaria Stem with Hooks Use caution | 12 g | Chief | Uncaria settles rising yang and lowers pressure. Added at the end of cooking. |
| Shi Jue Ming Sea-Ear Shell Use caution | 18 g | Deputy | Abalone shell anchors the yang and clears the eyes. |
| Zhi Zi Gardenia Fruit | 9 g | Deputy | Gardenia clears heat. |
| Huang Qin Baical Skullcap Root Use caution | 9 g | Deputy | Scutellaria clears Liver heat. |
| Niu Xi Niu Xi Root Use caution | 12 g | Assistant | Achyranthes pulls the blood and the rising energy downward. |
| Du Zhong Eucommia Bark | 9 g | Assistant | Eucommia strengthens the Kidney and the low back. |
| Sang Ji Sheng Chinese Taxillus Herb | 9 g | Assistant | Mistletoe nourishes Liver and Kidney and eases numbness. |
| Yi Mu Cao Motherwort Use caution | 9 g | Assistant | Motherwort moves blood and drains water. |
| Ye Jiao Teng Fleeceflower Stem High caution | 9 g | Assistant | Fleeceflower stem calms the mind and helps sleep. |
| Fu Ling Poria | 9 g | Assistant | Poria, classically the root-wrapped Fu Shen, calms the spirit. |
How Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin works
Gastrodia, uncaria, and abalone shell bring the rising yang down and stop the wind that makes the head spin and the limbs twitch. Gardenia and scutellaria cool the heat. Achyranthes drags everything downward. Eucommia and mistletoe fix the empty Kidney root so the yang stays down. Two calming herbs cover the sleep. It treats the top and the bottom in one.
Actions in classic terms
- Calms the Liver and extinguishes wind
- Clears heat, invigorates blood, and tonifies the Liver and Kidney
Common changes to Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
A practitioner rarely gives the bare formula. These are the classic additions for a specific picture.
- Strong heat and a bitter mouth add Xia Ku Cao, Long Dan Cao Stronger Liver coolers.
- Deep yin deficiency underneath add Sheng Di Huang, Gui Ban Or combine with Qi Ju Di Huang Wan.
Cautions with Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
- Not for headache or dizziness from deficiency: a pale face, a pale tongue, a weak pulse.
- Blood pressure should be measured through the course, not guessed. This formula supports treatment; it does not replace monitoring.
- A sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, slurred speech, or confusion needs emergency care, not a formula.
- Pregnancy: use only under a qualified practitioner.
Forms and typical dose
Sold as teapills, granules, decoction.
- Teapills
- 8 pills, three times a day, the usual label dose
- Decoction
- One bag a day in two doses. Uncaria goes in for the last few minutes.
- Course
- One to three months, with the root formula to follow.
Follow the label of the brand you buy. Pill sizes differ between makers.
Buying Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
The box reads Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin or Wan with the characters 天麻钩藤. Eleven ingredients led by Gastrodia and Uncaria.
Brand comparisons for formulas live on Supplements Apothecary, the buying side of this library.
Formulas often confused with Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
- Qi Ju Di Huang Wan 杞菊地黄丸 Rebuilds the Liver and Kidney yin without the wind-calming herbs. The follow-on once the rising has settled.
- Long Dan Xie Gan Tang 龙胆泻肝汤 Drains full Liver fire; no anchoring and no tonics. For the headache with a thick yellow coat and a forceful pulse.
Conditions where Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin comes up
Sources
- Bensky, Scheid, Ellis and Barolet, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies, 2nd edition Composition, actions, indications, and cautions.
Important Note
Formula pages describe classic use so you can read a label, ask a better question, and find the right monographs. They are education, not a prescription. A formula that fits the wrong pattern can make things worse, so match the picture first.