Product Introduction
Gastrodia is a perennial herb with fleshy, spiral-shaped rhizomes that are yellow-brown or brown on the outside, with a hollow center filled with milky-white sap. Gastrodia is primarily found in Northeast, North, and Southwest China.
Gastrodia contains several active ingredients, such as gastrodin, gastrodione, gastrolate, and gastrodic acid. It provides analgesic, sedative, and anti-epileptic effects and is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve headaches, dizziness, and symptoms related to stroke.
Gastrodia can be eaten raw or processed, such as in soups, stews, or ground into powder. Gastrodia powder can be used as a seasoning or as an herbal supplement.
Main Active Ingredients
Gastrodia contains multiple active compounds, with the most significant including gastrodin, gastrodione, gastrolate, and gastrodic acid. Gastrodin is considered one of the primary active ingredients, known for its analgesic, sedative, anti-epileptic, and neuroprotective properties. Gastrodione also has anti-epileptic and sedative effects, while gastrolate and gastrodic acid offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Application Scenarios and Dosage
Gastrodia is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and stroke. It can be used in soups, stews, or ground into powder for seasoning.
When using gastrodia, it is essential to control the dosage based on individual constitution and condition. Generally, a recommended dose of gastrodia is around 10-15 grams per use, with adjustments as needed. For proper usage and dosage, consulting a Chinese medicine practitioner or pharmacist is advised.
Plant Source Information, Distribution, and Growing Environment
Gastrodia is primarily found in Northeast, North, and Southwest China. It prefers a moist environment and commonly grows in valleys, under trees, and in grasslands. It is adaptable and does not require specific soil conditions.
Harvesting, Processing, and Storage
The rhizome is the main part of gastrodia and is typically harvested during the growing season. After harvesting, it should be thoroughly cleaned, then processed, such as drying or grinding into powder. Fresh gastrodia should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. Processed gastrodia can be kept in sealed containers for long-term storage.
