Tall Gastrodia Tuber
- Chinese
- 天麻
- Pinyin
- Tian Ma
- Latin
- Rhizoma Gastrodiae
Known in TCM as Tian Ma (天麻), this sweet, neutral herb enters the Liver. Traditionally, it extinguishes Wind and stops spasms, most often applied for headache, epilepsy, and dizziness. Modern research has identified Gastrodin among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Gastrodiae | Pinyin: Tian Ma | Chinese: 天麻
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Extinguishes Wind and stops spasms
- Calms the Liver and subdues Yang
- Dispels Wind-Dampness and unblocks collaterals
- Alleviates pain
Secondary Actions
- Nourishes Blood to settle dizziness
- Promotes smooth Liver function
Classic Formulas
- Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin … addresses Liver Yang rising with headache and dizziness
- Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang … treats Wind-Phlegm dizziness and vertigo
Classical References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Tian Ma is the Calm-Wind Herb, and therefore is the divine medicine for treating Wind'
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Gastrodin (p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol glucoside)
- Vanillin
- Vanillyl alcohol
- 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde
- Gastrodioside
Studied Effects
- Gastrodin demonstrates therapeutic potential for nervous system disorders including stroke, epilepsy, and headache (PMID 37749449)
- Active compounds improve learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease model via targeted metabolomics (PMID 40408941)
- Gastrodin reduces neuroinflammation and microglial activation via TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway (PMID 38552431)
PubMed References
- Review on pharmacological effects of gastrodin (2023)
- Neuroprotective effects of Gastrodia elata and its compounds in a Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer's disease model (2025)
- Gastrodin regulates the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway to reduce neuroinflammation and microglial activation in an AD model (2024)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Blood deficiency without Wind patterns
- Yin deficiency with internal Heat
- External Wind-Cold headache (common cold type)
Cautions
- Standard dose 3–10g; maximum single dose 40g
- Avoid prolonged use without practitioner guidance
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tall Gastrodia Tuber used for?
Tall Gastrodia Tuber is traditionally used to Extinguishes Wind and stops spasms, Calms the Liver and subdues Yang, Dispels Wind-Dampness and unblocks collaterals, Alleviates pain. Research has investigated its effects on: Gastrodin demonstrates therapeutic potential for nervous system disorders including stroke, epilepsy, and headache (PMID 37749449); Active compounds improve learning and memory in Alzheimer's disease model via targeted metabolomics (PMID 40408941).
What are other names for Tall Gastrodia Tuber?
Tall Gastrodia Tuber is also known as Gastrodia. In TCM: 天麻 (Tian Ma); Rhizoma Gastrodiae.
Is Tall Gastrodia Tuber safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Tall Gastrodia Tuber during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Tall Gastrodia Tuber?
Tall Gastrodia Tuber should not be used in: Blood deficiency without Wind patterns; Yin deficiency with internal Heat; External Wind-Cold headache (common cold type). Consult a qualified practitioner before use.