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Gastrodia Rhizome

Gastrodia Rhizome (천마, 天麻) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a wind-extinguishing, tremor-calming herb. Its nature is neutral (some sources: cold) and its taste pungent (some sources: sweet), associated with the Liver meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include extinguishes internal wind, stops tremor, calms dizziness and vertigo, relieves spasm and numbness. Caution: Neurological symptoms like recurring dizziness or vertigo should be medically evaluated rather than self-treated.

천마 (天麻) · Gastrodia elata Blume
Wind-extinguishing, tremor-calming herb Neutral (some sources: cold) Pungent (some sources: sweet) Liver
NatureNeutral (some sources: cold)
TastePungent (some sources: sweet)
MeridiansLiver
Part usedRhizome (tuber)
FamilyOrchidaceae
CategoryWind-extinguishing, tremor-calming herb
Find by concern: DizzinessHeadacheMuscle cramps

Overview

Gastrodia is a leafless orchid that lives off fungal partners rather than photosynthesis, and the Donguibogam already knew it by its plant's other name, jeokjeon ("red arrow"), describing the tuber's shape as resembling a cucumber with a dozen or more growing together. Later physicians singled it out as unmatched for dizziness of any deficiency origin.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性平一云寒, 味辛一云甘, 無毒. 主諸風濕痺, 四肢拘攣, 小兒風癎驚氣. 治眩暈風癎, 語言蹇澁, 多驚失志. 强筋骨, 利腰膝.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is neutral (some say cold), its taste pungent (some say sweet), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats various wind-damp painful obstruction, limb spasm and contracture, and childhood wind convulsions with fright qi. It treats dizziness and vertigo, wind convulsions, halting speech, and frequent fright with loss of composure. It strengthens the sinews and bones, and benefits the lower back and knees.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Extinguishes internal wind, stops tremor
  • Calms dizziness and vertigo
  • Relieves spasm and numbness
  • Strengthens sinews and bones

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Dizziness or vertigo of various origins
  • Headache with heaviness
  • Limb spasm or cramping
  • Weak lower back and knees

Traditional preparation

DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Neurological symptoms like recurring dizziness or vertigo should be medically evaluated rather than self-treated. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why does gastrodia have no leaves?

It is a mycoheterotrophic orchid — instead of photosynthesizing, it draws nutrients through a fungal partner, which is why the plant lacks green leaves. Only its flowering stalk, once called "red arrow," emerges above ground.

What is gastrodia's signature traditional use?

Dizziness and vertigo — later physicians quoted in the Donguibogam single it out as unmatched for treating dizziness stemming from various forms of deficiency.

Sources

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