Uncaria Hook and Chrysanthemum Tea

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.

Method

1. Place both ingredients in a teapot or heatproof cup.
2. Rinse once quickly with a small amount of boiling water, then discard.
3. Pour fresh boiling water over the herbs.
4. Steep (cover and infuse) for 15 minutes before drinking.
5. Do not boil on the stove for more than 20 minutes total, as overcooking reduces the active compounds in uncaria.

Nourilo’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.