Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gastrodia elata, commonly known as Tian Ma, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating dizziness and related symptoms such as headaches, vertigo, and convulsions. In classical TCM texts, Gastrodia is said to "calm the liver" and "extinguish wind," which metaphorically refers to its use in disorders involving tremors, spasms, and disturbances of consciousness, often manifesting as dizziness or vertigo. The herb is commonly prescribed either alone or in combination with other botanicals for these indications.

Scientific research into Gastrodia’s effects provides some preliminary support for its traditional uses, though the evidence is mostly limited to animal studies, in vitro research, and a few small clinical trials. Gastrodia contains bioactive compounds such as gastrodin and vanillin, which have demonstrated neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Some experimental studies suggest that Gastrodia extracts may influence neurotransmitter activity and cerebral blood flow, potentially explaining its effects on dizziness.

However, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most existing studies do not meet rigorous methodological standards. Thus, while traditional use is strong and there is some biological plausibility from laboratory research, the evidence supporting Gastrodia's use for dizziness in modern medicine remains limited, justifying a rating of 2 out of 5 for evidence quality.

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