Gastrodia (tian ma)

Gastrodia elata

Traditionally attributed effects: calms liver wind and relieves headache, dizziness and cramps.

Safety notes

Not in large doses or for long periods. An orchid on CITES Appendix II: choose cultivated tian ma. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Always have convulsions, epilepsy and facial paralysis assessed by a doctor.

Preparation

Tuber. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'substances that calm internal liver wind'. Tian ma, 'heavenly horse', is a leafless orchid that lives in symbiosis with a honey fungus. It is the main remedy for dizziness and headache due to liver wind and is part of Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and the Japanese Hangebyakujutsutemmato.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, neutral
Meridians: liver

Attributed effects

For wind from heat, cold or blood deficiency with headache, convulsions in children, dizziness, facial paralysis and epilepsy, and for migraine from wind and phlegm and joint pain.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. Similar to gou teng, but thanks to its sweet taste more nourishing for yin.

Combinations

With chuanxiong and niu xi for migraine
With gou teng, huang qin and niu xi for headache from high blood pressure
With ban xia, bai zhu and fu ling for dizziness from dampness

Caution: Always have convulsions, epilepsy and facial paralysis assessed by a doctor.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Tian ma gou teng yin

Sources

All herbs from Asia →