Gastrodia (Gastrodia elata)
Synopsis of gastrodia
Gastrodia elata, commonly known as gastrodia, tian ma (in Traditional Chinese Medicine), or heavenly hemp, is a unique orchid species native to China, Japan, Korea, and parts of the Himalayan region. It is a saprophytic plant, meaning it derives nutrients from decomposing organic matter via a symbiotic relationship with fungi. The rhizome (tuber) of gastrodia is the medicinal part, used extensively in neurological and vascular health protocols. Its primary active constituents include gastrodin, vanillyl alcohol, parishin, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Gastrodia is especially valued for its ability to calm internal wind, making it useful for symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo, convulsions, spasms, epilepsy, neuralgia, and certain types of stroke recovery. In modern herbal medicine, it is also explored for cognitive support, memory enhancement, and protection against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
It is most often administered as part of herbal formulas, decoctions, or standardized extracts. Gastrodia has a gentle nature and is frequently combined with other herbs like uncaria, chuanxiong, and peony root to treat neurological or vascular imbalances.
Historical Use
Gastrodia has been used for over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is considered one of the premier herbs for treating “internal wind” conditions—a concept associated with tremors, dizziness, seizures, and stroke-related symptoms. In TCM theory, gastrodia enters the Liver meridian and is both sweet and neutral in nature, meaning it nourishes without being overly stimulating or draining.
It appears in classical TCM texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and later writings like the Bencao Gangmu, where it was praised for its ability to relieve wind, calm the spirit, and treat both acute and chronic convulsive disorders. It was often used for epilepsy, facial paralysis, lockjaw, hemiplegia, and dizziness due to liver yang rising. Because of its gentle yet powerful action, gastrodia was also employed in post-stroke rehabilitation, often alongside acupuncture and other blood-invigorating herbs.
Gastrodia also played a role in Korean and Japanese Kampo medicine, where it was used to treat nervous disorders, migraines, and emotional agitation. In some traditions, it was believed to stabilize both the physical and mental “wind” disturbances—interpreted as neurological instability or mental unrest.
Today, Gastrodia elata remains a cornerstone herb in neurovascular and cognitive health formulas within East Asian medicine, with emerging scientific support for its anticonvulsant, neuroregenerative, and cerebrovascular-protective actions. It is a notable example of a traditional herbal remedy aligning closely with modern neurological research.
Gastrodia is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bell's Palsy (Traditional)
Bipolar Mood Disorder (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Dysmenorrhea (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Ear Infection or Earache (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
gastrodia is used to support these body systems
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Dopamine (Traditional)
GABA (Scientific)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Hypothalamus (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Products containing gastrodia
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM
