Gastrodia elata

Jeongpungcho, the herb that governs wind

The following is recorded in the Bencao Gangmu: “天麻乃定風草，故爲治風之神藥” Gastrodia elata is a grass that calms the wind, meaning it is a divine medicine for treating wind-syndromes. Furthermore, “眼黑頭旋，風虛內作，非天麻不能治” It is said that when vision darkens and the head spins with dizziness, it is caused by 'wind-deficiency' (Pung-heo) arising from within, and this cannot be treated without Gastrodia elata. As such, Gastrodia elata has long been a medicinal herb closely linked to 'wind.'

However, this 'wind' is not a cool spring breeze. In Korean medicine, 'wind' (Pung) refers to a pathological energy that disrupts the body's balance and is associated with symptoms such as vertigo (dizziness), convulsions, and numbness in the limbs. Records of Gastrodia elata governing this wind appear not only in the Bencao Gangmu but also in the Bangpung-cheonma-san of the Dongui Bogam, the Gastrodia elata pills and powders of the Boje-bang, and pediatric convulsion prescriptions in the Uifang-jip-ui. In other words, Gastrodia elata is not the lead in just one or two prescriptions, but a medicinal herb that consistently appears in various prescriptions dealing with wind-syndromes.

However, Gastrodia elata is not a 'universal cure' for all types of dizziness. The Bencao Gangmu states: “天麻須別藥相佐使，然後見其功” The efficacy of Gastrodia elata is revealed only when other medicinal herbs support and assist it. Additionally, there are traditional precautions against using it for blood-deficiency without wind (Hyeol-heo-mu-pung), fire-induced vertigo (Hwa-yeom-du-un), or stroke-like syndromes (Ryu-jung-pung-jeung). This means that while Gastrodia elata is used for wind-syndromes, its suitability depends on the nature of the wind-syndrome, the patient's constitution, and which other herbs it is combined with.

Therefore, the key to Gastrodia elata lies in the 'context of its use.' While classical evaluations clearly state its power to govern wind, this power is realized not in isolation, but within a prescription and under the diagnosis of a Korean medicine doctor. On this page, we will guide you through which prescriptions Gastrodia elata is used in, what role it plays, and who should exercise caution.

Summary at a Glance

Contrary to its name, Gastrodia elata is not a medicine that came from the heavens, but the dried tuber of an orchid family plant that grows in the shade of mountains. The table below provides an overview of the identity and key characteristics of this medicinal herb.

Category	Content
Origin	Hanja Name 天麻, Scientific Name Gastrodia elata A Korean herbal medicine made from the dried tuber of the Orchidaceae family
Properties and Meridian Tropism	Sweet (甘) and Neutral (平), Liver meridian
Representative Aliases	Jeongpungcho
Efficacy Recorded in Literature	Calming the liver and extinguishing wind, settling shock and stopping convulsions; recorded in relation to wind-syndromes such as vertigo (dizziness), headache, convulsions, and numbness in the limbs
Main Classification	Liver-calming herbs / Liver-calming and wind-extinguishing herbs
Combination & Precautions	Characteristics are more evident when combined with other herbs than when used alone; traditionally contraindicated for blood-deficiency without wind (Hyeol-heo-mu-pung), fire-induced vertigo (Hwa-yeom-du-un), and stroke-like syndromes (Ryu-jung-pung-jeung); verification is required when used concurrently with Western anticonvulsants or central nervous system depressants

Is this medicinal herb right for me?

While Gastrodia elata is a medicinal herb that governs 'wind,' it is important to determine for whom that wind is blowing. It is meaningful only when wind-syndromes that disrupt the body's balance are actually present; for other constitutions or symptoms, it may not be appropriate. Please first check the traditional contraindications and constitutional precautions based on the verified data provided.

• Generally suitable cases: If a Korean medicine doctor diagnoses dizziness, headache, convulsions, or numbness in the limbs and extremities as being caused by wind deficiency (pung-heo) or wind syndrome of the liver meridian (gan-gyeong), a prescription containing Gastrodia elata (Cheonma) may be considered. In particular, as mentioned in the Bencao Gangmu regarding 'darkening of the eyes and dizziness' (yan-hei-tou-xuan), it has been traditionally used when symptoms of vision darkening and the head spinning are interpreted as wind deficiency.

• Cases requiring caution: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those taking anticonvulsants (such as valproate) or central nervous system depressants (sleeping pills, sedatives, or opioids), must consult with a Korean medicine doctor before use. Animal studies suggest that Gastrodia elata extract may increase the brain concentration of valproate and enhance its anticonvulsant effect; there are also concerns regarding excessive inhibitory effects when used with herbs that have sedative properties. While official contraindications regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been confirmed, professional consultation is necessary due to its wind-extinguishing and convulsion-stopping (pung-gyeong-ji-gyeong) effects.

• Cases to avoid: It is traditionally avoided in cases of blood deficiency without wind (hyeol-heo-mu-pung), dizziness caused by rising fire (hwa-yeom-du-un), or stroke-like syndromes (ryu-jung-pung-jeung). Additionally, it may not be suitable for liver yang rising (gan-yang sang-hang), wind-heat type headaches, or dizziness in individuals with a fire-type constitution. In such cases, Gastrodia elata may shift the body's state in a different direction rather than calming the symptoms, so extreme caution is required when selecting a prescription.

Practical Q&A

We have gathered frequently asked questions about Gastrodia elata from the clinic. Understanding in which situations this medicinal herb is considered, and when it may be unsuitable, will help make your consultation more specific.

What symptoms is Gastrodia elata used for?

Gastrodia elata has been traditionally used for symptoms related to wind (pung). In the Bencao Gangmu, “天麻乃定風草，故爲治風之神藥” Gastrodia elata is a herb that calms the wind, making it a divine medicine for treating wind syndrome, “眼黑頭旋，風虛內作，非天麻不能治” and it is passed down that symptoms where the eyes darken, the head feels dizzy, and wind deficiency arises internally cannot be treated without Gastrodia elata. In modern Korean medicine, it is often included in prescriptions for symptom groups linked to wind syndrome, such as dizziness, convulsions, numbness in the limbs, and headaches. However, whether the cause of the symptoms is wind syndrome must be confirmed through a medical evaluation.

Can I take Gastrodia elata on my own?

In the Bencao Gangmu “天麻須別藥相佐使，然後見其功” it is recorded that Gastrodia elata only reveals its efficacy when supported by other medicinal herbs. This can be understood to mean that Gastrodia elata is more meaningful when combined with other herbs rather than used alone. Furthermore, since wind syndrome, convulsions, and stroke are conditions requiring professional diagnosis, it is appropriate to receive a prescription through a consultation with a Korean medicine doctor rather than self-administering Gastrodia elata.

Is Gastrodia elata always appropriate for dizziness?

No. In Korean medicine, dizziness can be caused by various factors. Cases where Gastrodia elata may not be suitable include blood deficiency without wind (hyeol-heo-mu-pung), dizziness caused by rising fire (hwa-yeom-du-un), and stroke-like syndromes (ryu-jung-pung-jeung), as traditionally recorded. It may also be unsuitable for liver yang rising (gan-yang sang-hang), wind-heat type headaches, or dizziness in fire-type constitutions; therefore, Gastrodia elata is not used simply because dizziness is present.

Can I take this along with Western medicine?

Caution is required when using it concurrently with certain Western medicines. Animal studies have reported that Gastrodia elata extract may increase the brain concentration of valproic acid (VPA) and enhance its anticonvulsant effect, so caution is needed in clinical practice when combined with anticonvulsants like VPA. Additionally, since prescriptions containing Gastrodia elata may have sedative or sleep-inducing effects, the possibility of excessive sedation must be considered when used with central nervous system depressants such as barbiturate sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, or opioids. However, as direct clinical interaction tests have not been fully confirmed, please consult a Korean medicine doctor regarding concurrent use.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

No explicit contraindications for pregnancy or breastfeeding regarding Gastrodia elata were found in the Korean or Chinese Pharmacopoeias, OASIS, or the Traditional Knowledge Portal. However, because Gastrodia elata has a convulsion-stopping (止痙) action, pregnant women should use it after consulting a Korean medicine doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform us during your medical evaluation.

Can I consume Gastrodia elata as a tea or food?

Traditionally, there are records of it being consumed in the form of fruit preserved in honey. In the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), “人或蜜漬爲果，或蒸煮食” people make it into a fruit preserve with honey, or eat it steamed or boiled. However, the official standards for Gastrodia elata as a food ingredient in modern Korea have not been confirmed. In some regions of China, it is included in the pilot list of food-medicine substances and can be processed and consumed according to local food safety standards, but authorization as a food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety needs to be verified. In Korean medicine clinical practice, it is generally prescribed in the form of decoctions (煎湯), pills, or powders.

Relationship with Other Medicinal Herbs (Yakdae/Pairing)

Gastrodia elata is rarely used alone. In Korean medicine, 'Yakdae', the practice of pairing medicinal herbs with different properties, is important, and Gastrodia elata is an herb that reveals its true value when combined with other ingredients. In particular, many classical prescriptions remain where Gastrodia elata plays a leading role in treating 'Wind' (Pung).

• Bangpungcheonmasan This is a prescription passed down from the Miscellaneous Diseases section of the Dongui Bogam, originating from the Uihak Jeongjeon for Wind (1613). It consists of 18.75g of Gastrodia elata, 18.75g of Saposhnikovia divaricata, 18.75g of Notopterygium root, 18.75g of Cnidium officinale, 18.75g of Angelica gigas, 18.75g of Angelica dahurica, 18.75g of Typhonium giganteum (baekbuja), 18.75g of Aconitum carmichaelii (wrapped and roasted), 18.75g of Schizonepeta tenuifolia, 75g of Talc, and 18.75g of Licorice. It has been traditionally used for paralysis, wandering pain (走注), hemiplegia (偏枯), and sudden loss of voice (暴瘖) caused by wind-dampness. It was prepared by grinding the ingredients into a powder, kneading them with honey to make pills, and dissolving them in warm liquor for consumption. Traditional Knowledge Portal of Korea, Bangpungcheonmasan A

• Cheonmahwanggitang This is a prescription recorded in Volume 4 of the Dangye Simbeop. It is a combination of Gastrodia elata and Astragalus membranaceus, along with Panax ginseng, Angelica gigas, Paeonia lactiflora, Poria cocos, Atractylodes lancea, Phellodendron amurense, Coptis chinensis, Alisma orientale, Cimicifuga ohwiensis, Bupleurum falcatum, dried ginger, Oshmanthus tacta, Massa medicata oryzae, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. It has been traditionally used for numbness in the hands and feet caused by 'Wind'. Traditional Knowledge Portal, Chunma-hwanggi-tang A

• Chunma-hwan This is a prescription listed in the augmented version of Bangyak-happyeon, page 279. It is a combination of Gastrodia elata, Pinellia ternata, Aconitum, Saposhnikovia divaricata, Bombyx batryticatus, Tarantikan, and Notopterygium incisum, and has been traditionally used for convulsions or pediatric fetal toxins. Traditional Knowledge Portal, Chunma-hwan B

• Bencao Gangmu Chunma-hwan In the Bencao Gangmu, it is recorded as Chunma-hwan, which "eliminates wind and transforms phlegm, clears the head and eyes, and relaxes the chest and diaphragm. It treats heart palpitations, irritability, dizziness, and the feeling of fainting..." It has been traditionally used to calm wind, resolve phlegm, and clear the head. 《本草綱目》, HanScope km-theqi-oldbook-book132::sec-023-16

As such, Gastrodia elata is used in combination with wind-dispelling medicines like Saposhnikovia divaricata, Notopterygium incisum, Cnidium officinale, and Angelica gigas, as well as tonic medicines like Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. As stated in the Bencao Gangmu, "Gastrodia elata must be assisted by other medicines to manifest its efficacy," meaning its effects become more evident when used with other medicinal herbs rather than alone. However, these combinations may not be suitable for constitutions or symptoms with traditional contraindications, such as blood deficiency wind, fire-induced dizziness, or stroke-like syndromes. Therefore, it is important to first verify your condition through a consultation with a Korean medicine doctor.

In what form is it consumed?

While Gastrodia elata has been used in various forms traditionally, it is necessary to distinguish how it can be encountered in modern Korea. We have summarized this based on the following 4 criteria.

• Possible as tea: Generally not recommended. While there are records in the Bencao Gangmu of it being eaten as a fruit preserved in honey ("蜜漬爲果"), no official standards for Gastrodia elata as a food ingredient have been confirmed in modern Korea.
• Possible as food: Not common in Korea. In some regions of China, it was included in the 2020 "Food and Drug Substances" pilot list and can be processed and consumed according to local food safety standards, but confirmation is required regarding its approval as a food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
• Decoction required: Applicable. In Korean medicine clinical practice, Gastrodia elata is generally administered as a decoction (boiled herbal tea) or prescribed in the form of pills (hwan) or powders (sanje).
• Self-administration not recommended: Applicable. Since it is used for symptoms requiring professional diagnosis, such as wind syndromes, convulsions, and stroke, it is not recommended to take Gastrodia elata based on self-judgment. It is advisable to use it according to a prescription after consulting a Korean medicine doctor.

Interactions and Safety During Use

As Gastrodia elata is a medicinal herb used to treat wind syndromes, caution is required when combined with other neurological medications or for specific constitutions. The following is a summary of currently identified interactions and traditional contraindications.

• Concurrent use with anticonvulsants: There is research from animal experiments suggesting that using valproic acid (VPA) and Gastrodia elata extract together may increase VPA concentration in the brain and enhance anticonvulsant effects. If you are taking anticonvulsants such as VPA in clinical practice, please share information about your current Western medications with your attending Korean medicine doctor before starting a prescription containing Gastrodia elata.
• Concurrent use with central nervous system (CNS) depressants: Prescriptions containing Gastrodia elata may have sedative or sleep-inducing effects. There are concerns regarding excessive sedation when used concurrently with barbiturate sleep aids, benzodiazepines, or opioid analgesics. However, since direct clinical interaction tests for Gastrodia elata alone have not been confirmed, the possibility of concurrent use should be verified individually during consultation.
• DrugBank Registration: Interaction data for Gastrodia elata whole is listed as "Not Available" in DrugBank. This means there is insufficient official interaction information, so extreme caution should be exercised regarding concurrent use.
• Traditional Contraindications: Traditionally, it is contraindicated for wind syndromes not caused by blood deficiency, dizziness caused by rising fire energy, and stroke-like syndromes that are not actual strokes. Additionally, it may not be suitable for liver-yang hyperactivity, wind-heat headaches, or dizziness in those with a fire-type constitution.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: No explicit contraindications for pregnancy or lactation regarding Gastrodia elata have been confirmed in the Korean or Chinese Pharmacopoeias, OASIS, or the Traditional Knowledge Portal. However, as it has the effect of stopping convulsions, it is safe to use only after consulting a Korean medicine doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Whether Gastrodia elata (Cheonma) is suitable for you depends on your constitution, the medications you are currently taking, and the specific nature of your symptoms. If you are considering a prescription containing Gastrodia elata, please inform us of your current Western medications and health status during your appointment.

If you experience these symptoms

If you experience these symptoms

While Gastrodia elata is a medicinal herb used to treat symptoms related to 'Wind' (Pung), the appearance of certain signals during intake may indicate that your body is unsuitable for this herb or is reacting to an excessive or long-term dose. It is important not to attempt to adjust the dosage yourself, but to immediately notify the prescribing Korean medicine doctor. In particular, since prescriptions containing Gastrodia elata may be used alongside other neurological medications, you should seek a consultation more promptly if new symptoms arise.

• When dizziness worsens or your vision goes dark: Gastrodia elata is traditionally used for vertigo (dizziness), but it may not be suitable for vertigo caused by rising 'Fire' (Hwa) or 'Liver Yang Hyperactivity' (Ganyang Sanghang). If symptoms worsen after intake, your constitution and symptoms must be re-evaluated.
• When convulsions do not decrease, their frequency increases, or new patterns of convulsions appear: Gastrodia elata is known for its anti-convulsant effects, but some animal studies suggest that when used with anti-convulsants, the drug concentration in the brain may change. When used with anti-convulsants such as Valproate (VPA) in clinical practice, changes in convulsions must be closely monitored.
• When excessive drowsiness, slowed reactions, or decreased concentration occur: Gastrodia elata or prescriptions containing it may have central nervous system depressant effects; therefore, combining them with Western medications such as sleeping pills, sedatives, or opioids may lead to excessive sedation. Although direct clinical trials have not been confirmed, a consultation is necessary if these symptoms appear, keeping the risks of combined use in mind.
• If you are taking it while pregnant or if there is a possibility of pregnancy: While explicit contraindications for pregnancy or lactation regarding Gastrodia elata have not been confirmed in official data, due to its anti-convulsant action, pregnant women should use it only after consulting a Korean medicine doctor. If pregnancy is confirmed, stop intake and notify your Korean medicine doctor.
• When those diagnosed with a 'Blood Deficiency' (Hyeolheo) constitution experience worsening fatigue, accelerated heartbeat, or numbness in the hands and feet: Gastrodia elata is traditionally said to be avoided in cases of 'Blood Deficiency without Wind' (Hyeolheo Mu-pung), symptoms caused by a lack of blood. If these signals appear after intake, the appropriateness of the prescription must be re-examined.

If abnormal symptoms appear, or if they are accompanied by acute or severe signals such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, decreased consciousness, or a feeling of general paralysis, please visit an emergency medical institution (119 or the nearest emergency room) and inform the medical staff that you are taking this prescription.

Differences from other restorative medicines

Unlike its name, which may give the impression of 'tonifying' (supplementing), Gastrodia elata traditionally belongs to the 'Liver-calming' (Pyeonggan-yak) category used to manage 'Wind' (Pung). Therefore, its purpose is different from representative restorative tonics like Gongjindan or Gyeongokgo. Understanding this difference will allow you to discuss more specifically during your consultation whether Gastrodia elata suits your constitution or if you should consider other restorative herbal medicines.

Gongjindan is a tonic traditionally used to supplement Qi and Blood (Gi-hyeol) and stabilize the mind. Gastrodia elata is closer to calming 'Wind' in the Liver and managing convulsions and vertigo (dizziness) rather than directly supplementing Qi and Blood. In other words, while Gongjindan is structured to 'fill what is lacking,' Gastrodia elata is structured to 'organize excessive tension and Wind.' Both can be used for fatigue and stress in modern people, but Gastrodia elata is more suitable when accompanied by a heavy head, dizziness, a feeling of muscles pulling or convulsing, or numbness and paralysis of the limbs.

Gyeongokgo is also known as a restorative tonic that supplements Qi and Blood and improves complexion. The biggest difference from Gastrodia elata is that Gyeongokgo focuses on 'tonifying a deficient person,' whereas Gastrodia elata focuses on 'calming symptoms where Wind has arisen.' Traditionally, using Gastrodia elata alone for someone who looks pale and lacks energy and needs tonification is not recommended. This is the context behind the record in the Bencao Gangmu stating, "Gastrodia elata must be assisted by other medicines to reveal its efficacy."

Furthermore, Gastrodia elata may not be suitable for headaches of a 'Wind-Heat' (Punghyeol) nature, dizziness caused by rising 'Fire' (Hwa), or 'Wind' symptoms not caused by 'Blood Deficiency' (Hyeolheo). In this regard, there is a difference in that Gongjindan and Gyeongokgo are used relatively broadly for restorative purposes, while Gastrodia elata is a medicinal herb used for narrower and more specific symptoms.

Ultimately, Gastrodia elata is closer to a 'specialized herb for managing Wind' than a general restorative tonic. If you are unsure whether you need tonification or the management of Wind, convulsions, or vertigo, the most accurate approach is to have a detailed consultation regarding your constitution and current symptoms with your Korean medicine doctor before the prescription.

References

1. Evidence material 1 regarding Gastrodia elata: Crude drug data from the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation.
2. Evidence material 2 regarding Gastrodia elata: GBIF plant classification data.
3. Evidence material 3 regarding Gastrodia elata: encykorea.aks.ac.kr reference material.
4. Evidence material 4 regarding Gastrodia elata: doi.org evidence material.
5. Gastrodia elata evidence 5: go.drugbank.com evidence.
6. Gastrodia elata evidence 6: spkx.net.cn evidence.

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