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Gastrodia tuber (Tianma)
Pharmaceutical
Name : Rhizoma Gastrodiae
Botanical Name : Gastrodia elata Bl.
Common Name : Gastrodia tuber
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The rhizomes are dug in winter
or spring. After the bark has been removed,
the rhizomes are cleaned, boiled or steamed
and baked. They are then soaked again and
cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Sweet and neutral
Meridian : Liver
Functions :
1. To eliminate endogenous wind and stop spasms;
2. To pacify the liver and subdue the yang
Indications & Combinations:
1. Internal stirring up os liver wind manifested
as spasms and convulsions. Gastrodia tuber
(Tianma) is used with Uncaria stem (Gouteng)
and Scorpion (Quanxie).
2. Spasms or convulsions in tetanus. Gastrodia
tuber (Tianma) is used with Ledebouriella
(Fangfeng), Arisaema tuber (Tiannanxing) and
Typhonium tuber (Baifuzi) in the formula Yuzhen
San.
3. Headache and dizziness due to hyperactivity
of liver yang. Gastrodia tuber (Tianma) is
used with Uncaria stem (Gouteng), Scutellaria
root (Huangqin) and Cyathula root (Niuxi)
in the formula Tianma Gouteng Yin.
4. Vertigo and dizziness caused by upward
attack of wind-phlegm due to deficiency of
the spleen and stagnation of qi in the liver.
Gastrodia tuber (Tianma) is used with Pinellia
tuber (Banxia), White atractylodes (Baizhu)
and Poria (Fuling) in the formula Banxia Baizhu
Tianma Tang.
5. Unilateral headache (migraine) and frontal
headache. Gastrodia tuber (Tianma) is used
with Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) in the
formula Tianma Wan.
6. Pain due to wind-damp obstruction (joint
pain). Gastrodia tuber (Tianma) is used with
Frankincense (Ruxiang) and Scorpion (Quanxie).
7. Numbness of limbs due to deficient blood
in the channels. Gastrodia tuber (Tianma)
is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui)
and Cyathula root (Niuxi).
Dosage: 3-10 g; 1-1.5 g for powder |
