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Can Gastrodia elata (Tianma) and Dendrobium (Shihu) be taken together?

Jan 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Tianma (Gastrodia elata) and Shihu (Dendrobium) can be taken together. Tianma has a sweet taste and primarily functions to extinguish wind and stop spasms, subdue hyperactive liver yang, dispel wind, and promote circulation of blood and qi through the meridians. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as headache, dizziness, limb numbness, infantile convulsions, seizures, tetanus, and other similar disorders. In addition, Tianma also has calming, anti-oxidative, health-promoting, and blood pressure-regulating effects.

Generally speaking, Gastrodia (Tianma) and Dendrobium (Shihu) can be consumed together. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Gastrodia has a sweet taste and mainly functions to extinguish wind and stop spasms, regulate hyperactive liver-yang, dispel wind, and promote circulation in the meridians. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, limb numbness, infantile convulsions, seizures, tetanus, and other related disorders. Additionally, Gastrodia has calming, anti-anxiety effects, provides antioxidant benefits, and helps regulate blood pressure. Dendrobium also has a sweet taste and functions to nourish the stomach and generate body fluids, as well as to nourish yin and clear heat. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as body fluid damage from febrile diseases, dry mouth and thirst, insufficient stomach yin, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, and persistent post-illness heat symptoms. Furthermore, Dendrobium can nourish yin and body fluids, strengthen the spleen and stomach, protect the liver and gallbladder, lower blood sugar levels, and improve skin health.

When consumed together, Gastrodia and Dendrobium not only exert their respective therapeutic effects but also work synergistically to regulate the body's yin-yang balance. This combination is commonly used in daily life; for example, they can be stewed together into soups such as Gastrodia and Dendrobium Stewed Pig Brain or Gastrodia and Dendrobium Stewed Chicken, to achieve effects such as dispelling wind to open the orifices, promoting blood circulation, and nourishing the mind.

When consuming these herbs, it is important to use them in moderation. It is also advisable to consult a physician beforehand to ensure that the combination and dosage are suitable for one's individual physical condition. Meanwhile, when selecting Gastrodia and Dendrobium, attention should be paid to the quality and source of the herbs.

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Under normal circumstances, when Gastrodia (Tianma) and Ligusticum (Chuanxiong) are commonly used together as traditional Chinese herbs, their main functions and effects include relieving wind-induced pain, promoting blood circulation to remove meridian blockages, alleviating dizziness, improving limb numbness, and assisting in the management of discomfort associated with headaches. It is also important to observe related contraindications and precautions during use; for example, these herbs should be used cautiously in individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat or those with a tendency toward bleeding.
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Which six types of people should not consume Tianma (Gastrodia elata)?
Generally speaking, there is no saying that "there are six types of people who cannot consume gastrodia (Tianma)." However, individuals who are allergic to gastrodia, those with qi and blood deficiency, those with excessive internal heat due to yin deficiency, pregnant women, infants, and young children are advised not to take gastrodia. These groups should be clear about their contraindications to avoid adverse physical reactions caused by gastrodia consumption. Other populations should also follow medical advice to control the dosage when consuming gastrodia and avoid long-term or excessive self-administration.
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What should not be consumed with Tianma (Gastrodia elata)?
Gastrodia (Tianma) is generally not recommended to be taken with certain foods such as windproof herb root (Yufengcao root), chicken meat, lamb meat, Chinese chives, chili peppers, and medications including Nifedipine tablets, Diazepam tablets, Phenobarbital tablets, Carbamazepine tablets, and Reserpine tablets, as this may lead to adverse reactions. Windproof herb root has properties opposing those of gastrodia; taking them together may cause adverse effects and interfere with the therapeutic efficacy of gastrodia.
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Can Gastrodia elata (Tianma) and beef be consumed together?
Under normal circumstances, gastrodia (Tianma) and beef can be consumed together, but it is not recommended to eat them in large quantities. It should be noted, however, that gastrodia is a medicinal herb and should not be used in excessive amounts to avoid placing undue strain on the body due to its potent medicinal properties. Beef is a high-protein, high-fat food; individuals with weak digestive function or digestive system disorders should control their intake to avoid abdominal distension caused by excessive consumption at one time.
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Can Sanqi and Tianma be taken together?
Under normal circumstances, Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) and Gastrodia elata (Tianma) can be taken together, but it is important to consume them in moderation. Sanqi has functions including hemostasis, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and reducing swelling and pain. Tianma has effects such as calming liver wind to stop convulsions, regulating hyperactive liver-yang, and dispelling wind to promote circulation of the meridians. When used together, these two herbs can enhance the therapeutic effects for symptoms such as dizziness, numbness of the limbs, and traumatic injuries.
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Can I take Tianma (Gastrodia elata) during my menstrual period?
Under normal circumstances, individuals with a constitution characterized by hyperactive liver yang or internal wind due to liver disharmony may take Gastrodia (Tianma) during menstruation as directed by a physician. However, those with a cold deficiency pattern in the spleen and stomach or those experiencing heavy menstrual flow should avoid taking Gastrodia. It is recommended to consult a doctor before using any medication. During menstruation, diet should primarily consist of nourishing and mild foods, avoiding raw, cold, spicy, and blood-activating foods.
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Can I consume Tianma (Gastrodia elata) during my menstrual period?
For most healthy women, consuming Gastrodia elata (Tianma) in moderation during menstruation is generally safe. Gastrodia elata has the effects of soothing the liver, calming internal wind, dispelling wind pathogens, and relieving pain. It may be helpful in alleviating symptoms such as headache and dizziness caused by wind-related conditions. If mild headaches, insomnia, or emotional instability occur during menstruation, moderate use of Gastrodia elata may help relieve these symptoms.
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Can I drink tamarind juice after consuming Gastrodia (Tianma)?
Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to immediately drink tamarind juice after consuming Gastrodia (Tianma). Tamarind juice is acidic and may alter the pH level of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby affecting the dissolution and absorption rate of active ingredients in Tianma and reducing its medicinal effectiveness. Additionally, drinking tamarind juice immediately after consuming Tianma may irritate the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, it is recommended to wait for a period of time before consumption.
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