Latin Name
Gastrodia elata

General Description
The root of this member of the orchid family is prescribed by Chinese-medicine practitioners for conditions that they ascribe to disorders of the liver, where, in Chinese tradition, the soul resides. A literal English translation would be "heavenly hemp." Look for a fat, solid, translucent, yellowish white root, probably imported from China's Sichuan, Yunnan, or Guizhou provinces. Gastrodia is categorized in traditional Chinese medicine as a sweet and neutral herb.

Target Ailments

• Headaches, including migraines; dizziness; childhood convulsions; and epilepsy. (Taken internally.)

Preparations
Gastrodia is found in bulk or in tablets at Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and some Western health food stores.
Combinations: Mixed with gambir, skullcap and achyranthes root, it is used for dizziness. Scorpion added to that mixture creates a preparation for treating seizures. Herbalists prescribe a mix containing gastrodia, Asian ginseng, atractylodes (white) and silkworm for chronic childhood convulsions. Check with your practitioner for further information on combinations and dosages.

Special Information

• WARNING: Use the herb with caution and in consultation with your practitioner. In one laboratory experiment, rats injected daily with an alcohol extraction of gastrodia showed reduced activity and appetite. In another, rabbits injected with preparations of the herb became lethargic and lost their appetites; their heart rates increased and their EEGs altered.
  
• Preparations of the herb have halted seizures and inhibited the development of epilepsy-like symptoms in rabbits. Gastrodia, however, proved not as effective as phenobarbital.