Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
天麻钩藤饮 · Tiān Má Gōu Téng Yǐn
A modern classic formula (1958) designed to calm hyperactive Liver Yang and extinguish internal Wind. Widely used for headache, dizziness, tinnitus and insomnia associated with rising Liver Yang, often on a background of Liver-Kidney deficiency.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Liver-Wind Extinguishing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Liver Fire
- Primary Function
- Calm Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heat
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Calm the Liver, extinguish wind, clear heat, invigorate blood, and tonify the Liver and Kidneys
- Classical Source
- Zhong Yi Nei Ke Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi (Hu Guangci, 1958)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A modern classic formula (1958) designed to calm hyperactive Liver Yang and extinguish internal Wind. Widely used for headache, dizziness, tinnitus and insomnia associated with rising Liver Yang, often on a background of Liver-Kidney deficiency.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when liver yang hyperactivity presents with heat signs and yin deficiency is comparatively mild, combining liver-calming and wind-extinguishing action with heat-clearing and blood-activating herbs — offering a gentler, more balanced approach than Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang's heavier settling and yin-nourishing strategy for more pronounced yin deficiency and qi-blood counterflow.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
- Gastrodia Rhizome 👑 Sovereign
- Uncaria Stem with Hooks 👑 Sovereign
- Abalone Shell Minister
- Gardenia Fruit Assistant
- Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap Assistant
- Leonurus / Motherwort Assistant
- Cyathula Root Assistant
- Eucommia Bark Assistant
- Taxillus / Mulberry Mistletoe Assistant
- Fleeceflower Stem Assistant
- Poria with Pine Root Assistant
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Calm Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heat | Sedate Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, nourish Yin | Clear Liver Fire, drain Damp-Heat | Nourish Liver-Kidney Yin, brighten the eyes |
| Formula Category | Liver-Wind Extinguishing Formulas | Liver-Wind Extinguishing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Yin-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Liver Fire | Liver Fire | Liver Fire | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Headache ·Dizziness & Vertigo ·Tinnitus ·Anxiety Restlessness | Dizziness & Vertigo ·Headache | Bitter Taste in Mouth ·Damp-Heat Constitution | Dizziness & Vertigo ·Eye Dryness ·Tinnitus ·Night Sweats |
| Main Herbs | Gastrodia Rhizome ·Uncaria Stem with Hooks ·Abalone Shell ·Gardenia Fruit ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap | Achyranthes Root ·Hematite ·Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone ·Oyster Shell ·Tortoise Plastron | Gentian Root ·Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap ·Gardenia Fruit ·Alisma Rhizome ·Akebia Stem | Prepared Rehmannia Root ·Cornus Fruit ·Chinese Yam ·Alisma Rhizome ·Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark |
| Classical Source | Zhong Yi Nei Ke Za Bing Zheng Zhi Xin Yi (Hu Guangci, 1958) | Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu (Records of Medicine with Reference to East and West, Zhang Xichun, 1918) | Yi Fang Ji Jie (Analytic Collection of Medical Formulas, Wang Ang, Qing dynasty) | Derived from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Yi Fang Ji Jie / later traditional sources) |
Clinical Perspective
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is the representative milder formula for Liver Yang rising with internal Wind. Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang more strongly anchors Yang with heavy minerals for severe presentations. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang clears excess Liver Fire/Damp-Heat. Qi Ju Di Huang Wan nourishes Liver-Kidney Yin for deficiency-rooted eye and dizziness symptoms.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin: Traditional Chinese Formula for Liver Yang Rising and Headaches
Tian Ma (Gastrodia): The Classic “Wind-Settling” TCM Herb for Liver-Wind, Dizziness and Spasm
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Liver Wind, Hypertension & Dizziness
Related Products
Nong's Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia & Uncaria) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Browse all classical formulas →
Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.