Gou Teng (Uncaria sinensis) is a woody climbing vine of the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the forests of central and southwestern China, and one of several Uncaria species sold under the same Chinese name. It climbs with paired, backward-curving hooks at the leaf nodes, has opposite, oval, leathery leaves and round heads of small greenish-yellow flowers. The dried stem segments are square in cross-section, yellowish-brown and bear one or two hooks each. We extract the dried stem with hooks.
Tincture or alcohol-free drops?
Both start from the same dried plant material and cold maceration. The tincture uses organic alcohol
as the solvent, keeps for years and is the classic herbal form. The alcohol-free drops (glycerite) use
vegetable glycerin and purified water, taste mildly sweet and suit anyone avoiding alcohol. The amount of
dried herb per serving is printed on each label.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement.