Synopsis

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

Gastrodia elata (commonly known as Tian Ma) is a traditional medicinal herb used primarily in Chinese medicine. Its main historical uses have centered around treating conditions such as headaches, dizziness, convulsions, and other neurological disorders, rather than digestive complaints. However, some traditional texts and folk practices have occasionally included gastrodia in multi-herb formulations aimed at harmonizing the stomach or alleviating digestive discomfort, including dyspepsia. The rationale for this use is based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory that gastrodia helps to "calm the liver and extinguish wind," which in some cases is believed to indirectly benefit the digestive system by relieving stress or tension that could affect digestion.

Despite this occasional traditional use, there is very limited direct evidence—either traditional or scientific—supporting the efficacy of gastrodia for dyspepsia. Modern pharmacological studies on gastrodia primarily focus on its neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects, with little research specifically addressing digestive function or dyspeptic symptoms. Thus, while there is a minor traditional precedent for its use in dyspepsia, the supporting evidence is weak, and gastrodia is not a primary herb for this condition in either TCM or modern herbal medicine.

More about gastrodia
More about Dyspepsia

Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia

Other health conditions supported by gastrodia

Products containing gastrodia

Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM