bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Uncaria (Ramulus cum Uncis Uncariae)
bubble_chart Efficacy
Calm the liver and relieve depression, clear heat and calm the mind.
bubble_chart Indications
Liver channel heat reversal, dizziness and blurred vision, distending pain in the chest and diaphragm, chest tightness and qi depression, irritability, heat, restlessness, and thirst, or sudden cramps, rolling of the eyes, body heat with cold feet, or vomiting and diarrhea.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
The scripture states: "No wind, no vertigo" and "No liver, no vertigo." The liver, being a firm-characterized zang organ, is yin in substance and yang in function. When liver yin is insufficient and liver yang is hyperactive, it transforms into wind and disturbs upwards, causing vertigo. In the formula, Uncaria pacifies the liver and clears heat, Chrysanthemum Flower is sweet, slightly cold, and slightly bitter, light and floating, pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind to assist Uncaria in pacifying the liver; Saposhnikovia Root is acrid, warm, and moist, aiding in dispelling wind; Gypsum is acrid and cold, clearing heat and purging fire; liver wind often carries phlegm, Dried Tangerine Peel and Pinellia are used together to invigorate the spleen and dry dampness, resolving phlegm to prevent its production; Ophiopogon Tuber enriches yin to tranquilize the spirit; Poria with Pine tranquilizes the mind and calms the spirit; Ginseng and Poria tonify qi and invigorate the spleen, resolving dampness; Fresh Ginger Rhizome and Liquorice Root regulate the spleen and stomach, collectively achieving the effect of pacifying the liver, clearing heat, and tranquilizing the spirit.
bubble_chart Pattern Identification - Exuberant liver yang.
- Vertigo and headache.
- Restless heat and thirst.
- Wiry and forceful pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- Liver yang hyperactivity (high blood pressure): Add Gastrodia Tuber, Achyranthes Root, Abalone Shell, Skullcap Root, Gardenia.
- Excessive phlegm turbidity: Add Gastrodia Tuber, White Atractylodes Rhizome, Alisma.
- Severe headache: Add Sichuan Lovage Rhizome, Pueraria Root, Chinese Lovage.
bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications
Avoid smoking and alcohol, and maintain a light diet.
bubble_chart Modern Application
Hypertension, migraine, neurofunctional disorder, Meniere's syndrome, scapular aching pain, menopausal syndrome, arteriosclerosis.