Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
天麻钩藤饮 (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)
Source: Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi (New Meanings in Diagnosis and Treatment of Miscellaneous Diseases) — Hu Guangci (Contemporary, 1958)
Liver Yang rising with windHypertensionMigraine and severe headacheDizziness and tinnitus from Liver YangInsomnia from Liver Yang disturbing spiritStroke preventionNumbness and tremors
Description
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is the primary formula for Liver Yang rising with wind and heat. It calms the Liver, extinguishes wind, clears heat, and tonifies Liver-Kidney Yin. Widely used for hypertension, stroke prevention, and chronic headache from Liver Yang rising, it combines the immediate calming of Liver Yang with treatment of the underlying Liver-Kidney deficiency.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suan Zao Ren | 9g | 9.38% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Liver Blood, calms spirit, improves sleep. |
| Niu Xi | 12g | 12.5% | Chen (Deputy) | Directs blood and Yang downward, benefits Liver-Kidney. |
| Du Zhong | 12g | 12.5% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies Liver and Kidney, lowers blood pressure. |
| Huang Qin | 9g | 9.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat, sedates Liver fire. |
| Zhi Shi | 9g | 9.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | Clears heat, aids descending. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 9.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | Calms spirit, strengthens Spleen. |
| Mu Li | 15g | 15.63% | Zuo (Assistant) | Anchors Yang, calms spirit, subdues Liver Yang. |
| Tian Ma | 9g | 9.38% | Jun (Chief) | Calms Liver, extinguishes wind, stops headache and dizziness. |
| Gou Teng | 12g | 12.5% | Jun (Chief) | Clears Liver heat, extinguishes wind, calms Liver Yang rising. |
Total weight: 105g
Preparation
Decoct in water 30 minutes. Add Gou Teng in the last 5 minutes to preserve volatile constituents. Take warm.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day in 2–3 doses. Long-term use appropriate for hypertension.