Cat’s Claw Hook Whole (Uncaria Rhynchophylla)

Cat’s Claw Hook Whole (Uncaria rhynchophylla) consists of the dried, curved hooks from the stem of the Uncaria vine, a plant native to East and Southeast Asia. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Gou Teng (钩藤), these distinctive claw-like structures are traditionally harvested when fully mature and are valued for their ability to extinguish internal wind, calm the liver, and relieve spasms or tremors.

This herb is commonly used in formulas to address dizziness, headaches, irritability, high blood pressure, and muscle twitching—particularly when these symptoms are related to Liver Yang Rising or internal wind. It is also applied in neurological support formulas, especially those targeting tics, seizures, or developmental conditions in children with excess heat or wind.

Cat’s Claw Hook is typically decocted or simmered briefly—often added at the end of a boil to preserve its delicate constituents. Unlike the South American “Cat’s Claw” (Uncaria tomentosa), which is a different species used in Western herbalism, Uncaria rhynchophylla has a long history within Chinese medical systems as a primary herb for calming hyperactive yang and protecting the nervous system.

Each batch of Cat’s Claw Hook Whole (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is harvested at optimal maturity and sun-dried to retain the plant’s therapeutic compounds. These hooks offer a gentle, non-sedating way to support neurological balance, cardiovascular harmony, and internal wind dispersal within traditional or integrative wellness practices.