Longnan Gastrodia elata

Longnan Gastrodia elata

　　Gastrodia elata, according to the “Shennong Bencao Jing” (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), was originally called “Chijian” (Red Arrow) and first appeared in the “Kaibao Bencao.” In the “Compendium of Materia Medica,” it is referred to as “Dingfeng Cao” (Wind-Calming Herb). Later, people believed it was a gift from celestial fairies, hence the name “Gastrodia elata” (Heavenly Hemp). Belonging to the Orchidaceae family, it is a perennial saprophytic upright herbaceous plant, the whole plant lacking green leaves and chlorophyll. Underground, it has fleshy, thick rhizomes that are elongated, oval, slightly flattened, wrinkled, and curved, varying in size. The surface is yellowish-white or pale yellow-brown, translucent, with nodular ring patterns. The seeds of Gastrodia elata are very small and can only be seen under a 500x microscope, making cultivation quite difficult. In the past, people did not understand its growth patterns, which is why it was called a “miraculous medicine.” Ancient texts say: “The Gastrodia elata of the deep mountains is truly marvelous, sown by immortals beneath the earth, its fruits reveal their presence upon ripening, yet mortals cannot cultivate it.” This legendary tale was even believed by Li Shizhen, the renowned pharmacologist of the Ming Dynasty. The mountainous region of Longnan in Gansu Province, with its rich and diverse biological resources, is hailed as the “Treasure Land of Longyuan.” The precious medicinal herb Gastrodia elata is one of the remarkable plants growing here.

　　Gastrodia elata contains vitamin A, gastrodin, vanilla alcohol, and various alkaloids, holding a pivotal position in the field of herbal medicine. Efficacy: In traditional Chinese medicine, its rhizomes are used medicinally. It is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, offering effects such as dispelling wind, relieving spasms, alleviating pain, refreshing the mind, invigorating qi, nourishing the liver, and lowering blood pressure. It can also treat conditions such as coma due to convulsions, facial and ocular deviation, neurasthenia, limb numbness, and infantile convulsions.