Tian Ma
Gastrodia elata Blume
☯ TCM Properties
Extinguishes Wind and Stops Spasms; Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang; Dispels Wind-Dampness and Unblocks the Collaterals; Alleviates Pain
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (46)
Showing 1 of 46.
Botanical Description
Gastrodia elata is a perennial, mycoheterotrophic orchid in the family Orchidaceae, distributed across East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East. Lacking chlorophyll, it derives nutrients from a symbiotic association with Armillaria fungi in forest soils. The plant produces a stout, fleshy, ovoid to elongated underground tuber (rhizome) measuring 8-15 cm long, with prominent ring-like scars. A solitary, erect, leafless flowering stem 30-100 cm tall emerges in early summer, bearing a terminal raceme of small, urn-shaped, yellowish-brown to orange flowers. Following pollination, fruit capsules release dust-like seeds. The dried steamed tuber, known as Tian Ma, is the medicinal part used in East Asian herbalism.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Tian Ma (gastrodia tuber) is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for internally generated Wind. It calms Liver Yang, settles Wind, and relieves spasms — making it the primary herb for dizziness, vertigo, headache, and tinnitus from Liver Yang or Liver Wind rising. It also addresses convulsions, tremors, facial paralysis, and numbness of the limbs from Wind-Phlegm obstruction of the channels. Its balanced, gentle nature makes it suitable for both deficiency and excess Wind patterns and for both acute and chronic use.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.