Can Sanqi and Tianma be taken together?

May 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

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.

Generally speaking, Panax notoginseng (San Qi) and Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) can be taken together, but it is important to consume them in moderation. A detailed explanation is as follows:

Panax notoginseng has functions such as stopping bleeding, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and reducing swelling and pain. Gastrodia elata has effects including calming internal wind to stop convulsions, regulating hyperactive liver yang, and dispelling wind to improve circulation in the meridians. When used together, these two herbs can enhance the therapeutic effects on symptoms such as dizziness, limb numbness, and traumatic injuries. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, there are no contraindications for combining these two herbs, and taking them together will not cause interactions or negatively affect their therapeutic effects. However, individuals with yin deficiency and blood heat should avoid Panax notoginseng, and pregnant women should not take Gastrodia elata to prevent exacerbation of conditions or harm to fetal health.

This combination is suitable for treating headaches, vertigo, limb numbness, and pain caused by wind syndrome associated with blood stasis. It also has blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects for patients with pain caused by blood stasis or bleeding. Furthermore, it can help alleviate symptoms such as hemiplegia and headache caused by cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. However, it should be taken under the guidance of a TCM practitioner, with attention to dosage and individual differences. Overuse or improper use may lead to adverse reactions, especially among special populations such as pregnant women, lactating women, and children, who should use it with extra caution.

Before trying any combination of traditional Chinese herbs, it is essential to consult a qualified physician and follow medical advice to ensure safe and effective medication use. Additionally, it is important to monitor your body's response, and if any discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

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What are the functions and effects of Tianma (Gastrodia elata) and Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)?

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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Who Are the 6 Groups of People Who Should Avoid Taking Notoginseng Powder?

Generally speaking, there is no established statement regarding "six types of people who cannot take Notoginseng powder." However, certain groups, such as pregnant women, women during their menstrual period, individuals with bleeding tendencies, those with weak spleen and stomach function, and individuals experiencing colds or fever, should avoid taking Notoginseng powder to prevent potential health issues or worsening of existing symptoms. Before consuming Notoginseng powder regularly, individuals should first assess their own health condition to determine whether they belong to any of the aforementioned contraindicated groups.

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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.