Herbal information on Gou Teng in Bulk Powder form
What is Gou Teng - Chinese Cat's Claw - Uncaria Rhynchophylla?
Gou Teng, or Uncaria rhynchophylla, holds significant historical importance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For centuries, it has been utilized for its ability to calm the liver and extinguish internal wind, which are key concepts in TCM for maintaining health and balance. Historically, Gou Teng has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including hypertension, dizziness, headaches, and convulsions. Its role in promoting neurological health and overall bodily balance has been well-documented in ancient TCM texts, making it a trusted remedy through the ages. This herb's extensive use over centuries underscores its enduring value in holistic medicine practices.
Differences Between Gou Teng and Cat's Claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla vs. Uncaria tomentosa):
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Species and Origin:
- Gou Teng (Uncaria rhynchophylla): A species primarily found in China, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): A different species native to the Amazon rainforest in Peru, commonly used in Western herbal medicine.
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Traditional Uses:
- Gou Teng: Known for calming the liver, extinguishing wind, and treating conditions like hypertension, dizziness, and convulsions.
- Cat's Claw: Known for its anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties, often used for arthritis, digestive issues, and overall immune support.
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Active Compounds:
- Gou Teng: Contains alkaloids and glycosides that help with neurological and cardiovascular health.
- Cat's Claw: Contains oxindole alkaloids, known for their immune-modulating effects.
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Cultural and Medical Context:
- Gou Teng: Integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine with a long history of use for specific TCM conditions.
- Cat's Claw: Prominent in South American traditional medicine and increasingly popular in Western herbal supplements for its general health benefits.
Gou Teng is noted in Stephen Buhners book "Healing Lyme Disease"
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to promote health and wellness. Gou Teng, a herb commonly used in TCM, has gained popularity due to its wide range of health benefits. The herb is derived from the vine of the Uncaria rhynchophylla plant, and it's known for its calming and relaxing effects on the body.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of Gou Teng, how it can improve your health, and what you need to know before using it.
Benefits of Gou Teng:
- Promotes Relaxation: Gou Teng is known for its calming and relaxing effects on the body, making it a popular choice for those dealing with stress, anxiety, and sleep issues.
- Supports Liver Function: Gou Teng is known for its ability to support liver function. It helps to protect the liver from damage and improve its overall function.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Gou Teng is also known for its ability to improve sleep quality. It helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, allowing for better sleep.
- Reduces Inflammation: Gou Teng has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for those dealing with inflammatory conditions like arthritis or other joint pain.
- Boosts Immune System: Gou Teng has immune-boosting properties and can help to strengthen the immune system.
- Improves Blood Circulation: Gou Teng can improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other related health problems.
- Anti-convulsive Properties: Gou Teng can be used to treat convulsions, including those associated with epilepsy and seizures.
- Calms the Mind: Gou Teng can help to calm the mind and reduce anxiety, allowing for improved mental well-being.
- Supports Eye Health: Gou Teng has been shown to improve eye health and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions, such as cataracts.
How To Use Uncaria rhynchophylla
Gou Teng, also called the "Vine with Hooks" and scientifically known as Uncaria rhynchophylla, is a popular Chinese herb known for its many health benefits. To make the most of its therapeutic properties, it is important to know how to properly use Gou Teng in your health regimen. Here is a detailed guide on effectively using Gou Teng.
Forms of Gou Teng
Powder
Gou Teng powder can be easily incorporated into smoothies, juices, or warm water. This is a convenient option for people who do not enjoy making decoctions.
Capsules and Tablets
For convenience, Gou Teng can be found in pre-dosed capsules or tablets. This option is perfect for individuals who are on-the-go or do not enjoy the flavor of herbal teas.
How To Make Gou Teng Decoction
1. Decoction
To prepare Gou Teng using the traditional method, you can make a decoction.
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Ingredients:
- 10-15 grams of dried Gou Teng
- 2 cups of water
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Instructions:
- Place the dried Gou Teng in a pot.
- Add the water and bring to a boil.
- Lower the temperature and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and discard the herb.
- Drink the decoction while warm.
2. How To Make Gou Teng Tea
Gou Teng tea offers a straightforward method to experience the advantages of this herb. Although not as potent as a decoction, it is still effective.
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Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of powdered Gou Teng or one teabag
- Hot water
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Instructions:
- Add the powder or teabag to a cup.
- Pour hot water over it.
- Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Take out the teabag or mix the powder thoroughly.
- Enjoy your tea!4. How To Make Gou Teng Tincture
FAQs:
Q: Is Gou Teng safe to use? A: Gou Teng is generally considered safe when used as directed under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Q: Can Gou Teng be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women? A: It's important to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Gou Teng if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: What are the side effects of Gou Teng? A: Gou Teng is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness, headache, or digestive issues.
Common Name: Uncaria stems with hooks
Botanical Name: Uncaria rhynchophylla twig & thorn
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Liver
Other Names: Cat's Claw, Uncaria, Gamdir vine
Pin Yin Name: Gou Teng
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Powder - Fine powder 80 to 100 mesh size (similar to the consistency of baking flour)
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. According to classical writings, "Ben Cao New Edition": "It can damage qi and do not use in cases of deficiencies" and according to "Ben Cao Cong Xin": "Do not use in cases of lacking fire."
Naturally Occurring Components: Rhynchophylline, Isorhynchophylline, Corynoxeine, Isocorynoxeine, Corynantheine
Summary of Gou Teng
- Benefits the Cardiovascular System
- Clears liver heat
- Subdues liver yang
- Extinguishes liver wind
- Alleviates spasms
- Releases the exterior
- Gou Teng can also aid in decreasing anxiety and inducing calmness
- Gou Teng has demonstrated the ability to reduce blood pressure, thus aiding in lowering elevated blood pressure levels
- The beneficial components within Gou Teng, like rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion:
Gou Teng, also known as Uncaria rhynchophylla, is a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It's famous for helping to calm the liver and get rid of internal wind. People use this herb to treat many health issues like high blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, and seizures. Gou Teng works by reducing excess yang and clearing heat, which helps with symptoms like high blood pressure, tremors, and migraines. It has been used for a long time in TCM to support brain health and keep the body balanced. Its long history shows how important and reliable it is for natural health, offering solutions for modern medical problems.
Product Properties: Sweet, Cool
Popular Herbal Combinations for Uncaria Rhynchophylla:
- Gardenia + Uncaria Rhynchophylla
- Tangerine Peel + Uncaria Rhynchophylla
- Gastrodia + Uncaria Rhynchophylla
- Huang Qin + Uncaria Rhynchophylla
- Coptis + Uncaria Rhynchophylla
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About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
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Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
http://alternativehealing.org/gou_teng.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/uncaria-rhynchophylla
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/gou-teng
https://lymeherbs.eu/content/436-gou-teng-uncaria-rhynchophylla
https://www.phoenixmedical.com/gou-teng
https://examine.com/supplements/uncaria-rhynchophylla/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1469066717694044
https://www.meso.it/old.tcmwiki.com/wiki/gou-teng.html
5 Reviews
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Uncaria Rhynchopllya Vine & Hooks
Still waiting to see if it works.
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Uncaria Rhynchopllya Vine
Still waiting to see if it works.
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Lifesaver for neuroborreliosis
I have been using this herb for lyme disease (neuroborrelioses) for two years now with very much succes. I'm following the Buhnerprotocol and from my experience i can tell that Buhner is right when he is saying that this herb is a must when you suffer from neuroborreliosis. I don't need very much (3 teaspoons a day), I have tried other (powdered) brands as well, but the Plum brand works the best for me.
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Lifesaver
I use this herb against severe neuroborrelioses. It is my most important herb. I have tried another other powdered herbs, but they were not as good as this one.
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Excellent for Neuro Lyme
I have been using Gou Teng -Uncaria Rhynchophilla- over 4 months for my lyme disease. I use it in combination with the Cat's Claw (Uncaria Tormentosa) and Japanese Knowtweed. I feel the product is of high quality and it definetely helped me to subside many of not all neurological sympthoms I had prior to using it (mild tremors, shaking, dizziness, memory issue due to Borrelia Burdgoferi infection in brain). I tried the Gou Teng tintcure before doing the Plum Flowers powder. I also made my own tincture at one point but I find making capsules from the powder sold from 1st Chinese Herbs is the most cost effective way for me. I was very skeptical when I begun treating neuro lyme symptoms with Gou Teng, but I was always consistent taking dosages and increasing them as well. I follow the Buhner protocol and he reccomands this herb for Lyme. I also done some research and found out clincal studies in China revelead that this medicinal herb is very effective for people with Parkinson disease and its symptoms. This herb is probably the most expensive herb of the Buhner protocol for lyme and it is very difficult to find. I plan to use it for at least another 8 months.
