Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Specifically for Vertigo
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Why it works for Vertigo:
Pattern-based rationale (TCM): This classic formula “calms Liver yang, extinguishes internal wind, clears heat, invigorates blood, and nourishes Liver/Kidney,” matching vertigo presentations with headache, dizziness/true vertigo, tinnitus, heat rising to the head, wiry/rapid pulse, and a red tongue—i.e., Liver-yang rising with internal wind. Sacred Lotus
What’s in it (and why): Key components include Tian Ma (Gastrodia) + Gou Teng (Uncaria) to quell “wind”; Shi Jue Ming (abalone shell) to anchor yang; Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Zhi Zi (Gardenia) to clear heat; Chuan Niu Xi, Du Zhong, Sang Ji Sheng to guide and nourish Liver/Kidney; Yi Mu Cao, Ye Jiao Teng, Fu Shen to move blood and calm the shen. This combination targets the common TCM mechanism behind vertigo rather than the symptom alone. Sacred Lotus
Modern physiological plausibility: Several constituents (esp. Uncaria alkaloids like rhynchophylline and Gastrodia compounds such as gastrodin) have neurovascular and antihypertensive effects in preclinical/clinical work, which can reduce dizziness in patients whose vertigo accompanies high or labile blood pressure. (Details and trials below.) ScienceDirect
How to use for Vertigo:
1) Classical decoction (tāng):
- Typical herb set & amounts (example): Tian Ma 9 g; Gou Teng 12–15 g; Shi Jue Ming 18–24 g; Zhi Zi 9 g; Huang Qin 9 g; Yi Mu Cao 9–12 g; Chuan Niu Xi 12 g; Du Zhong 9–12 g; Sang Ji Sheng 9–24 g; Ye Jiao Teng 9–30 g; Fu Shen 3–15 g.
- Brewing tips: Pre-decoct Shi Jue Ming, and add Gou Teng near the end (it’s aromatic/heat-sensitive). Standard method: simmer ~30–45 min (longer for shells/minerals), strain, take 1 dose 1–2×/day as directed. Sacred Lotus
2) Granules/capsules (common clinic use):
- Example label dosing (granules): 2 g three times daily (5:1 granules) or as directed by your licensed practitioner. Some retail labels vary (e.g., 1 g in warm water; or 4.5 g 2–3×/day)—follow your practitioner and the specific brand’s label. TCMzone
3) Course & monitoring:
- Reassess after 2–4 weeks; continue if pattern and response are appropriate. Track blood pressure, vertigo frequency/intensity, and sleep/irritability (common co-symptoms in this pattern). (Pattern guidance per formula monographs.) Sacred Lotus
4) Formula adjustments:
- For stubborn dizziness, TCM texts often pair with Wen Dan Tang (if phlegm-heat coexists) or consider Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang in specific wind-yang patterns—this is practitioner-level decision-making. American Dragon
Scientific Evidence for Vertigo:
Direct vertigo trials:
- High-quality RCTs specifically for vertigo with this exact formula are limited in English-language literature. In practice, clinicians extrapolate from BP/“wind” symptom studies and TCM indications (dizziness/vertigo). (See below; transparency note.)
Hypertension + dizziness/vertigo (related evidence):
- Randomized, placebo-controlled trial — “Gastrodia-Uncaria Granules” (GUG) for masked hypertension: Reduced daytime ambulatory BP vs placebo over 4 weeks (n≈250), providing a plausible mechanism for dizziness improvement when vertigo accompanies elevated daytime BP. AHA Journals
- Ongoing/registered multicenter RCTs (Stage-1 HTN, liver-yang hyperactivity type): Multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of Gastrodia & Uncaria Recipe/Granules include dizziness among target symptoms; these strengthen cardiovascular evidence underlying TCM “wind/yang” presentations linked to vertigo. ClinicalTrials
- Preclinical/constituent evidence:
- Uncaria rhynchophylla alkaloids (rhynchophylline/isorhynchophylline) exert vasodilatory and antihypertensive actions; network-pharmacology and animal data support BP-lowering and neuroprotection. ScienceDirect
- Reviews on Tianma-Gouteng mechanisms (and fingerprinting of active compounds) support cerebrovascular and anti-“wind” effects consistent with TCM usage. Frontiers
- Utilization data: In a large Taiwanese database, Tian-Ma-Gou-Teng-Yin was among the most frequently prescribed formulas for hypertension—conditions that commonly feature headache/dizziness—supporting its real-world use pattern. BioMed Central
Specific Warnings for Vertigo:
Pattern mismatch: Avoid in vertigo due to deficiency wind, severe Yin deficiency, or dominant phlegm-damp without clear Liver-yang-rising signs; choose other formulas in those patterns. Sacred Lotus
Pregnancy: The formula contains Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus / Motherwort)—commonly listed as contraindicated in pregnancy due to its blood-activating/uterotonic action. Do not use in pregnancy; use caution postpartum or with heavy menses. American Dragon
Blood thinners/bleeding risk: Yi Mu Cao may potentiate anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel). Use only with practitioner oversight and medical monitoring. American Dragon
Blood pressure meds / hypotension: Gou Teng (Uncaria) and the overall formula can lower BP; combining with antihypertensives may cause excessive BP reduction or bradycardia—monitor BP/HR and coordinate with your clinician. ScienceDirect
Shell-derived ingredient: Shi Jue Ming is abalone shell; if you have severe mollusk/seafood allergies, discuss risks with your clinician before use. (Ingredient identity noted in standard monographs.) Sacred Lotus
General cautions: Keep away from children; avoid unsupervised long-term use; stop and seek care for sudden, severe, or neurologic red-flag vertigo (stroke symptoms), or if symptoms worsen. (Monograph cautions; standard medical advice applies.) lhasaoms.com
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula traditionally used to calm internal Liver wind and clear heat. It is built around Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou Teng), and commonly includes supporting herbs such as Shi Jue Ming, Zhi Zi, Huang Qin, Yi Mu Cao, Niu Xi, Sang Ji Sheng, Du Zhong, Ye Jiao Teng, and Fu Shen, among others depending on lineage. It is typically prescribed in decoction or granule form by TCM practitioners.
How It Works
From a TCM viewpoint, the formula extinguishes Liver wind, anchors hyperactive yang, clears heat, and nourishes Liver and Kidney yin to prevent recurrence. In plain language, it is used when the nervous system is “over-stirred” by heat or deficiency, showing up as headaches, dizziness, tremors, hypertension patterns with irritability, or restless sleep.
From a biomedical perspective, the dominant pharmacologic actions of the main ingredients include neuroprotective, vasodilating, anti-hypertensive, anti-convulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Some herbs demonstrate cerebral blood-flow modulation and sympathetic-down-regulation, which aligns clinically with its use in tremor, vascular headache, and stress-driven blood pressure elevations.
Why It’s Important
Many modern stress-driven conditions manifest as neurologic up-regulation, vascular reactivity, or sleep disturbance. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is one of the most canonical “wind-calming” formulas for presentations where pressure and agitation rise upward (e.g., throbbing head, shaking, red face, tinnitus, tense mood). Rather than only suppressing symptoms, its logic is to calm the surge while repairing the terrain (cooling the heat, anchoring yang, nourishing deficiency) so flare-ups decrease in frequency and intensity over time.
Considerations
This is not a general “tonic.” It is a pattern-specific prescription — using it without the matching pattern can worsen fatigue, coldness, or stagnation. It is traditionally avoided or modified in pregnancy, and should not be used as a stand-alone replacement for managing stroke, seizure, or hypertensive emergency. Because of potential interaction with blood-pressure medications, sedatives, or anticoagulants, supervision by a trained clinician is appropriate, particularly in those with polypharmacy, frailty, or comorbid neurologic disease. Duration and dose should be adapted to stage — higher intensity in acute flare, gentler or withdrawn in consolidation.
Helps with these conditions
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Parkinson's
Neuroprotection in lab/animal PD models. A water extract of TMGTY protected dopaminergic neurons, improved locomotion, and reduced α-synuclein burden...
Vertigo
Pattern-based rationale (TCM): This classic formula “calms Liver yang, extinguishes internal wind, clears heat, invigorates blood, and nourishes Liver...
Meniere’s Disease
TCM mechanism (pattern-based): TMGY is a classic formula used when dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, headache, and irritability are driven by “Liver Yang r...
Trigeminal Neuralgia
TCM rationale: TMGTY “calms the Liver, extinguishes internal wind,” a pattern often applied to head/face pain and neurovascular hyperexcitability. Sta...
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