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Tian Ma (天麻), the rhizome of Gastrodia, extinguishes internal wind to stop tremor, spasm and convulsion, calms ascendant Liver yang, and dispels wind to relieve headache, dizziness and numbness.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Gastrodia elata (Rhizoma Gastrodiae)
Common English Name
Gastrodia rhizome
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Liver
Actions & Functions
- Extinguishes internal wind and stops tremor, spasm and convulsion
- Calms ascendant Liver yang (dizziness, headache)
- Disperses wind and unblocks the channels (numbness, painful obstruction)
Indications
Dizziness and headache from Liver wind or yang; tremor, spasm, seizures and childhood convulsions; and numbness and wind-damp painful obstruction.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Gou Teng (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin) for Liver-yang/wind dizziness and headache; with Ban Xia (Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang) for phlegm dizziness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated.
