What it is
Tian Ma, also known as Gastrodia elata, is a traditional Chinese medicine herb used for neurological symptoms. It is available in capsule form, typically containing 500 mg of the dried tuber.
Supplement · Nootropic & Choline
Tian Ma (Gastrodia)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
headachebrain-fogtremor brain
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How it works
Gastrodia elata contains compounds like gastrodin which may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems and reducing oxidative stress. Its actions are believed to influence GABAergic and dopaminergic pathways.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address brain fog, memory decline, attention difficulty. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
What is Tian Ma primarily used for in TCM?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tian Ma is primarily used to calm the Liver, extinguish internal wind, and alleviate pain, addressing symptoms like headache, dizziness, and tremors.
How long does it take to see effects from Tian Ma?
Noticeable cognitive effects from Tian Ma typically become measurable within 2-8 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can Tian Ma be combined with other supplements?
Yes, Tian Ma can be layered into a broader protocol. However, consult a clinician if you are on prescription medications affecting similar pathways.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for brain fog and memory concerns
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Tian Ma (Gastrodia) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Tian Ma (Gastrodia)
Tian Ma (Gastrodia) is a nootropic & choline supplement used to support brain fog and memory concerns. Gastrodia tuber for headache, dizziness and tremor. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a tcm-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Tian Ma (Gastrodia) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the brain, nervous system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 2-8 weeks for noticeable cognitive effects. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Tian Ma (Gastrodia) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for brain fog and memory concerns. Gastrodia tuber for headache, dizziness and tremor. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 2-8 weeks for noticeable cognitive effects, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address brain fog, memory decline, attention difficulty. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Nootropic & Choline category, Tian Ma (Gastrodia) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.