In TCM, tiān má (Gastrodia; 天麻) is traditionally used to calm the liver Yang, extinguish wind, and has powerful antispasmodic effect on the nervous system.

Benefits:
● Treats migraines and headaches
● Alleviates dizziness and vertigo
● Relieves convulsions (uncontrollable shaking of the body) in children
● Relieves muscle spasms and tremors
● Reduces joint stiffness and joint pain
● Relieves numbness of hands and feet

Suitable for whom:
Recommended for individuals with rising liver Yang and/or liver-wind symptoms.

Tiān má (Gastrodia; 天麻)

Origin:
Jilin, China

Dosage:
3g to 9g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

How to relieve migraine:
Rinse herbs before use. Add 300g meat, 5g chuān xiōng (川芎), 5g tiān má (天麻), 6 red dates (红枣), and 3 slices of old ginger (老姜) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium to low heat for 1 hour. Add a handful of wolfberries in the last five minutes before turning off the heat. Add salt to taste. Serve it warm. (Serving size: 1 to 2)

In TCM, every organ has its own Yin and Yang manifestation. Yin represents the energy that is responsible for moistening and cooling bodily functions, whereas Yang energy is warming, moving, stimulating, and manifests as physical strength and stamina. A harmonious balance of Yin and Yang is key to good health.

Prolonged deficiency of the liver Yin, liver blood, or kidney Yin can lead to rising of the liver Yang.

Some signs that your liver Yang is rising:
● Frequent headaches and migraines
● Facial tics such as twitching in the eyelids
● Prone to anger outbursts, irritability, feeling worked-up easily
● Dizziness
● Ringing in the ears
● Blurry vision
● Stiff shoulders

If rising liver Yang is left uncontrolled without proper TCM treatment, it may turn into liver-wind, especially in conditions of high stress, outrage, or consuming excessive 'heaty' foods such as greasy or spicy foods, alcohol, etc.

Symptoms of liver-wind include:
● Spasms or tremors of the limbs
● Numbness or tingling of the limbs
● Severe dizziness or loss of balance in standing or walking
● Nausea or vomiting

Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.