Herbal & Flower Teas
Uncaria Hook and Chrysanthemum Tea
Traditionally used to calm wind, support liver health, and ease tremor
Why people make this tea
Parkinson’s disease progresses gradually and can be deeply disorienting — the hand tremor, slowed gait, and stiffness that begin on one side of the body are early signs that deserve prompt medical attention. Chinese food therapists have long used uncaria hook (gou teng) as part of herbal protocols to support tremor management. Modern research has identified a compound in uncaria called isorhynchophylline, which is associated with effects on the brain proteins implicated in Parkinson’s disease. This tea is not a cure, but many practitioners use it as a gentle daily support alongside prescribed medication. Paired with chrysanthemum, it is cooling, pleasant-tasting, and easy to prepare.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to older adults or those with symptoms such as tremor, dizziness, headache, or elevated blood pressure associated with what Chinese medicine calls “liver yang rising”
- Can be a helpful adjunct for people already receiving conventional treatment for Parkinson’s disease
- Not a substitute for medical care — any new tremor, walking difficulty, or neurological change should be evaluated by a doctor promptly
- Uncaria should not be boiled for more than 20 minutes as prolonged cooking reduces its efficacy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Uncaria hook stem (gou teng): Traditionally used to clear liver heat and calm liver wind, which in Chinese medical theory is associated with tremor and spasm; modern research suggests active alkaloids may interact with brain chemistry relevant to Parkinson’s pathology
- Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua): Classically paired with gou teng to clear heat from the liver and head, relieve headache, ease dizziness, and brighten the eyes; the pairing balances and extends the calming effect
Ingredients (1–2 cups)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncaria hook stem (gou teng) | 11 g (3 qian) | Available from Chinese herb shops |
| Chrysanthemum flowers (ju hua) | 11 g (3 qian) | Dried food-grade chrysanthemum |
| Hot water (just off the boil) | 300–400 mL |
Method
- Place both ingredients in a teapot or heatproof cup.
- Rinse once quickly with a small amount of boiling water, then discard.
- Pour fresh boiling water over the herbs.
- Steep (cover and infuse) for 15 minutes before drinking.
- Do not boil on the stove for more than 20 minutes total, as overcooking reduces the active compounds in uncaria.
Bro Niu’s tips
Beyond supporting tremor, this tea is also associated with helping ease dizziness, head fullness, and headaches linked to elevated blood pressure — conditions often described in Chinese medicine as liver yang rising. Aim to drink this five days a week, leaving two days for rest. If gou teng is steeped briefly without prolonged boiling, it retains more of its active properties.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ling Ling): What soups are suitable for a Parkinson’s patient to drink regularly? Bro Niu: This uncaria and chrysanthemum tea can be drunk frequently. You can also try a soup made with five slices of turmeric (fresh huang jiang), four stalks of basil (luo le ye, also known as jin bu huan), and a large fish head — simmer for half an hour and add the basil leaves near the end. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients. Good two to three times a week for Parkinson’s support.
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Q (PP): Can this tea be drunk every day? Bro Niu: It is best to drink it about five days a week, leaving two days for your body to work on its own.
Published November 28, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
