Evidence supporting the use of: Gastrodia
For the health condition: Bipolar Mood Disorder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Gastrodia elata, known as Tian Ma in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for neurological and psychological conditions, primarily for calming the liver, extinguishing wind, and treating headaches, dizziness, and convulsions. In TCM, symptoms akin to mood swings, irritability, and agitation (which sometimes overlap with manifestations of bipolar mood disorder) are occasionally addressed with gastrodia formulas. However, there is no direct historical documentation of gastrodia being used explicitly for "bipolar mood disorder" as it is currently defined in Western medicine. Instead, its use is extrapolated from its general sedative and anticonvulsant properties, and its reputation for "calming the spirit."

Scientific evidence supporting gastrodia for bipolar disorder is minimal. Some animal studies indicate that gastrodia may have neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and possibly anxiolytic or antidepressant effects, but these are not directly relevant to bipolar disorder and have not been validated in human clinical trials for this indication. Therefore, its use in bipolar disorder is primarily based on traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. The evidence is rated as 1, acknowledging traditional precedent but highlighting the lack of direct or strong supporting data.

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