Wild Tianma from Danjiang

Wild Tianma from Danjiang

　　Tianma is a perennial herbaceous plant, originally named Chijian. It is also known by various aliases such as Dingfengcao (Wind-Calming Herb), Shencao (Divine Herb), Duyaozhi (Swaying Branch), and Guiduyou (Ghost Messenger). There is no definitive account of how the name "Tianma" came about. It is likely that due to a long-standing lack of understanding of its growth patterns, people believed it to be a self-sustaining, heaven-sent entity that grew and perished on its own, hence giving it this mysterious-looking name. In fact, the ecology of Tianma is indeed very unique and fascinating. Morphologically, its roots and leaves are highly degenerated and it contains no chlorophyll, which is why its stem is red and appears single and arrow-like. In terms of nutrition, it relies on fungi to decompose organic matter and provide nourishment, making it highly evolved—so much so that it can even be said to share certain similarities with animals. Depending on the harvesting season, Tianma can be divided into two types: "Chunma" (Spring Tianma) and "Dongma" (Winter Tianma). Winter Tianma is firm, thick, with fine and smooth skin, yellowish-white in color and slightly translucent, and is of superior quality compared to Spring Tianma. According to ancient and modern pharmacopoeias, Tianma has effects such as nourishing the brain, strengthening the body, enhancing yin and vitality, and increasing strength. It is mainly used to treat dizziness, limb numbness, and infantile convulsions. Medicines such as Renshen Zaizao Wan (Ginseng Reconstructing Pills) for treating stroke, Da Huoluo Dan (Great Meridian Activating Pills), Tianma Wan (Tianma Pills), and Hugu Jiu (Tiger Bone Wine) for promoting circulation and unblocking meridians, as well as Qifeng San (Umbilical Wind Powder) for treating infantile convulsions, all rely on Tianma. For conditions such as high blood pressure, concussion, and vertigo caused by ear-related issues, simply steaming chicken or stewing meat with Tianma often yields unexpectedly good results. (Danjiangkou)