What is tian ma gou teng yin used for?

It was recommended to me by my acupuncturist as an alternative to anti depressants. I just started taking it today so I wish I could tell you how it works but I can't. During some online research I read that it improves liver function, decreases stress and improves overall health "releasing heat" which is new age talk for "gets all the bad crap outta ya". So i guess its could be considered somewhat of an eastern multivitamin with mood stabilizing effects.