Gastrodia

The rhizome contains gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishin, and polysaccharides. Preclinical research suggests neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant effects, with proposed mechanisms including GABA modulation, NMDA receptor effects, and reduction of glutamate excitotoxicity. Traditional uses include vascular and migraine headaches, vertigo, tremors, and epilepsy. Modern clinical research, mostly from China, has examined gastrodin formulations for headache, vertigo (often paired with conventional therapy), and cognitive decline, with generally modest or mixed results. Gastrodin is approved as an injectable medication in China for certain neurological indications. Oral supplements use rhizome powder or standardized gastrodin extracts.

Traditional TCM: 3 to 9 grams of dried rhizome decoction. Modern supplement label doses for standardized extracts: 100 to 500 mg of gastrodin per day. Clinical trial doses vary widely.

Traditionally taken in decoction in divided doses with or between meals. Modern supplements typically once or twice daily with food. Effects, when present, develop gradually.

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Side effects are uncommon and may include mild GI upset, dizziness, or skin reactions. Long-term safety data are limited.

Theoretical additive effects with sedatives, anticonvulsants, and antihypertensives. May affect platelet function based on preclinical data; caution with anticoagulants.