Gastrodia Complex™

TCM herbal formula for deficient-type hypertension with dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, headache, and generalized weakness — antihypertensive; vasodilating; diuretic; antiseizure; antiepileptic; anticonvulsant; extinguishes Liver wind; calms Liver yang; clears heat; nourishes Liver and Kidney yin

⚠️ Herbal treatment is ineffective for malignant hypertension and certain cases of secondary hypertension (renal stenosis, pheochromocytoma) — refer to a physician as surgical intervention may be necessary. This formula may be used as an adjunct for prevention of seizure, epilepsy, and convulsion — it is NOT suitable to treat acute onset of these conditions. If untreated, hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, renal failure, and premature death — effective treatment must include both lifestyle changes and herbal therapy. Some patients may experience mild stomach discomfort — reduce dosage or take with food. Contains Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae) — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all. Monitor blood pressure and adjust dosage based on age, body weight, severity of condition, and response to treatment.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Hypertension (deficient-type) with dizziness, vertigo, blurred vision, headache, and/or generalized weakness

* Prevention of seizures, epilepsies, and convulsions in hypertensive patients

Background: Hypertension is the sustained elevation of resting blood pressure (systolic BP >140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP >90 mmHg). According to the CDC, approximately 70 million people (29%) in the United States have hypertension. Contributing factors include heredity, diet, obesity, stress, lack of exercise, and pre-existing diseases. Hypertension is usually asymptomatic, but some may experience dizziness, flushed face, headache, fatigue, epistaxis, and nervousness. Untreated hypertension can lead to myocardial infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, renal failure, and premature death.

TCM differentiation: In TCM, hypertension may be characterized by both excess and deficiency. Excess refers to Liver yang rising; deficiency refers to Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies. Western medicine classifies hypertension into "red" (excess — energetic, stressed individuals with marked redness and vascularized skin) and "pale" (deficiency — individuals with compromised kidneys, glands, or metabolism) types. Gastrodia Complex is designed for the deficient type — it extinguishes Liver wind, calms Liver yang, and nourishes Liver and Kidney yin. It can also reduce the risks of seizure, convulsion, stroke, angina, and myocardial infarction in hypertensive patients.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Tian Ma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae / Gastrodia Rhizome / Gastrodia Elata): chief herb; extinguishes Liver wind; calms Liver yang; cardiovascular — increases volume of blood flow to cardiac muscle, increases resistance to hypoxia, reduces risks of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction; antiseizure and anticonvulsant — marked effectiveness via intraperitoneal or intravenous injection; antiepileptic — prevents post-traumatic epilepsy; clinically treats seizures, cranial-cerebral injury, cervical spondylosis, and cerebrovascular diseases; synergistic anticonvulsive and free-radical scavenging action with Gou Teng

— Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis / Uncaria / Cat's Claw Vine): chief herb; potent and prolonged antihypertensive effect — decreases heart rate and reduces peripheral vascular resistance; vasodilative — α-adrenoceptor blocking and calcium channel blocking activities; rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline (indole alkaloids) — hypotensive and vasodilatory effects; reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and slows heart rate; anxiolytic — therapeutic effect comparable to Buspar (buspirone); cardioprotective — prevents vascular proliferative disorders; promotes angiogenesis, accelerates vascular wound healing, and promotes growth of collateral blood vessels in ischemic tissues; anticonvulsant — suppresses lipid peroxidation in the brain; rhynchophylline is the main anticonvulsive compound; clinical study 1: 60 patients with yin deficiency and yang excess hypertension — BP reduced in 76.67%, average reduction 20.87 mmHg diastolic and 10.21 mmHg systolic; clinical study 2: 245 patients — marked effectiveness in 38.2%, overall effectiveness 77.2%

— Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae / Kudzu Root / Pueraria): antihypertensive — dilates coronary artery and relieves blood vessel spasms; relieves neck and occipital stiffness and tension commonly associated with hypertension; clinical study: 222 patients with hypertension and neck stiffness/pain — effectiveness rate 78–90%

— Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae / Prunella Spike / Self-Heal): rapid onset antihypertensive through vasodilation; clinical study: used as single herb to treat 42 patients with hypertension — good results; clears red, painful, or swollen eyes associated with hypertension

— Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae / Cassia Seed / Semen Cassiae Obtusifoliae): antihypertensive — diuretic effect; lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides; clinical study 1: 48 patients — cholesterol reduced in 95.8%, triglycerides in 86.7%, beta-lipoprotein in 89.5%; clinical study 2: lowers serum lipids in type II diabetic subjects without serious adverse effects; weight loss — used in formula to reduce body weight in 79 of 96 patients; clears red, painful, or swollen eyes

— Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae / Salvia / Red Sage Root): dilates blood vessels; increases blood perfusion to peripheral blood vessels; improves microcirculation, myocardial contraction, and heart rate; significant protective effect against cerebral infarct, coronary artery disease, and angina; caution with anticoagulants

— Sha Yuan Zi (Semen Astragali Complanati / Flattened Milkvetch Seed / Astragalus Complanatus): antihypertensive — decreases total peripheral resistance; alleviates visual problems associated with hypertension

— Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii / Goji Berry / Wolfberry): prevents increase of blood pressure by decreasing vascular contraction and tension; alleviates visual problems associated with hypertension

— Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni / Cornelian Cherry Fruit / Cornus): antihypertensive — diuretic effect; tonifies Liver and Kidney yin to prevent Liver yang rising

— Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae / Rehmannia): tonifies Liver and Kidney yin to prevent Liver yang rising

— Zhen Zhu Mu (Concha Margaritiferae / Mother-of-Pearl Shell): anchors Liver yang; extinguishes wind; lowers blood pressure; relieves headache and dizziness

— Shi Jue Ming (Concha Haliotidis / Abalone Shell / Haliotis): anchors Liver yang; extinguishes wind; lowers blood pressure; relieves headache and dizziness; clears Liver heat and visual disturbances

— Cha Chi Huang (Herba Stellariae Aquaticae / Aquatic Chickweed): antihypertensive; clears red, painful, or swollen eyes associated with hypertension

— Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae / Cyathula Root): directs blood downward; gives the formula a descending property; guides formula to lower body

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antihypertensive — Tian Ma + Gou Teng (60 patients: 76.67% BP reduced; 245 patients: 77.2% effective); Ge Gen (222 patients, neck stiffness: 78–90% effective); Xia Ku Cao (42 patients, single herb); Jue Ming Zi + Shan Zhu Yu (diuretic); Sha Yuan Zi (peripheral resistance↓); Gou Qi Zi (vascular contraction↓); Dan Shen (vasodilation, peripheral perfusion↑)

* Vasodilating — Gou Teng (α-adrenoceptor blocking, calcium channel blocking, rhynchophylline + isorhynchophylline); Ge Gen (coronary artery dilation, vessel spasm relief); Xia Ku Cao (rapid vasodilation); Dan Shen

* Diuretic — Jue Ming Zi; Shan Zhu Yu

* Antiseizure / antiepileptic / anticonvulsant — Tian Ma (seizures, convulsions, post-traumatic epilepsy, cranial-cerebral injury, cervical spondylosis, cerebrovascular disease); Gou Teng (lipid peroxidation↓, rhynchophylline anticonvulsive); Tian Ma + Gou Teng (synergistic anticonvulsive + free-radical scavenging)

* Cardiovascular / cardioprotective — Tian Ma (cardiac blood flow↑, hypoxia resistance↑, myocardial ischemia↓); Dan Shen (cerebral infarct↓, coronary artery disease↓, angina↓); Gou Teng (vascular proliferative disorders↓, angiogenesis↑, vascular wound healing↑)

* Lipid-lowering / weight management — Jue Ming Zi (cholesterol↓, triglycerides↓, beta-lipoprotein↓; weight loss in 79/96 patients)

* Anxiolytic — Gou Teng (comparable to Buspar/buspirone)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Extinguishes Liver wind; anchors Liver yang (Tian Ma, Gou Teng, Zhen Zhu Mu, Shi Jue Ming)

* Calms Liver yang; clears Liver heat (Xia Ku Cao, Cha Chi Huang, Jue Ming Zi)

* Nourishes Liver and Kidney yin; prevents Liver yang rising (Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu)

* Alleviates visual problems associated with hypertension (Sha Yuan Zi, Gou Qi Zi)

* Dilates blood vessels; improves circulation; directs blood downward (Dan Shen, Ge Gen, Chuan Niu Xi)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily with warm water on an empty stomach. Monitor blood pressure and adjust dosage based on age, body weight, severity, and response to treatment.

Supplementary formulas: High cholesterol and triglycerides — add Cholisma. High cholesterol with fatty liver and obesity — add Cholisma (ES). Acute headache — add Corydalin (AC). Chronic headache — add Corydalin (CR). Hypertension with edema and water accumulation — add Herbal DRX. High blood pressure and fast heart rate due to excess heat — add Gardenia Complex. Post-stroke or Bell's palsy with deviation of eyes and mouth — add Symmetry. Coronary heart disorders — add Circulation. Cardiovascular and circulatory disorders throughout the body, or stubborn hypertension with blood stagnation — add Circulation (SJ). Qi and blood deficiencies — add a small amount of Imperial Tonic. Constipation — add Gentle Lax (Excess) or Gentle Lax (Deficient). Stress and anxiety — add Calm (ES). Insomnia with stress and anxiety in individuals with underlying deficiencies — add Calm ZZZ. Insomnia due to anemia, generalized weakness, or excessive worrying — add Schisandra ZZZ. Stroke complications — add Neuro Plus. Trigeminal neuralgia or hemiplegia in hypertensive patients — add Flex (NP). Kidney yin deficiency — add Kidney Tonic (Yin) or Nourish. Visual disturbances (redness, pain, blurriness) — add Lycium Support.

Nutrition: Eliminate salt from the diet. Avoid MSG, baking soda, meat, fat, aged foods, alcohol, diet soft drinks, preservatives, sugar substitutes, meat tenderizers, and soy sauce. Avoid ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Avoid aspartame — high levels may increase blood pressure. Increase fresh raw vegetables and fruits; consume nuts and seeds daily as protein source. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids help reduce blood pressure by stabilizing blood vessel walls. Garlic is effective to lower blood pressure and thin the blood.

Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease) — Hypertension: Recommended foods: celery, spinach, garlic, bananas, sunflower seeds, honey, tofu, mung beans, bamboo shoots, seaweed, vinegar, tomatoes, water chestnuts, corn, apples, persimmons, peas, buckwheat, jellyfish, watermelon, hawthorn berries, eggplant, plums, mushrooms, lemons, lotus root, chrysanthemums, and cassia seeds. Cook black or white mushroom soup daily. Steam or bake jellyfish 12 minutes, add vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil — take daily for 2 months. Make tea from chrysanthemum flowers and cassia seeds — drink daily. Avoid smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, coffee, caffeine, all stimulants, fatty or fried foods, salty foods, potatoes, pork, and overeating. Headache: Recommended foods: chrysanthemum flowers, mint, green onions, oyster shells, pearl barley, carrots, prunes, buckwheat, peach kernels, and green tea. Avoid spicy food, alcohol, and smoking.

Lifestyle: Maintain normal bowel and urinary functions — take diuretics and stool softeners as needed. Maintain a positive attitude; control emotions and reduce stress. Identify and avoid triggers for tension and hypertensive responses. Stop alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Weight loss is highly recommended. Exercises such as swimming and brisk walking are excellent for hypertension. Practices such as meditation, tai chi chuan, and yoga relax, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure.

CASE STUDIES

— M.M., 53-year-old female: BP 150/80 mmHg; high-stress, fast-paced lifestyle; high energy but restless sleep; elevated HDL and LDL; Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies with Liver yang rising. Gastrodia Complex 4 spoonfuls 2x daily for 2 months. Result: BP 125/82 mmHg; sleeping better; energy increased.

— 29-year-old male: Lifelong chronic headaches; lower back ache; dry eyes; neck tension; slight dizziness; Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies with Liver yang rising. Gastrodia Complex 4 caps 3x daily. Result at 4 days: headache relief. After 1 bottle: relief lasted approximately 1 month.

— 45-year-old male: Headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol; Liver yang rising with qi and blood stagnation. Cholisma + Gastrodia Complex. Result: positive results reported by physician.

— J.L., 86-year-old male: BP 180/90 mmHg (higher in morning: 180–190/90–95; evening: 170–180/85–90); heart rate 60 bpm; hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, high cholesterol; damp-heat accumulation. Gastrodia Complex 4.5g/day + Cholisma 1.5g/day + acupuncture. Result at 6 weeks: average BP down to 147/80 mmHg (both morning and evening).

— S.O., 51-year-old female: Severe migraine headaches 4–6 times/month for 3 years; pounding and throbbing at temples and behind eyes; head felt "big"; photosensitivity; occasional nosebleeds and nausea; refused pharmaceutical drugs; BP 128/78 mmHg, HR 76–80 bpm; red peeled tongue (especially sides); wiry/floating pulse, left side very thin; Liver yang rising with Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies. Gastrodia Complex 4 caps 3x daily. Result at 6 weeks: headaches diminished in ferocity. Over following months: headaches became a rare event; patient felt stronger overall.

— 39-year-old female: Elevated BP, palpitations, hot flashes, anxiety, neck swelling; HR 92 bpm; hyperthyroidism / Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies. Thyrodex first — hot flashes and anxiety diminished, goiter reduced. Added Gastrodia Complex. Result after 1 bottle: noticeable improvement.

— 47-year-old female acupuncturist: One-sided severely debilitating migraines on weekends; Kidney yin deficiency leading to Liver yang rising. Corydalin (AC) relieved pain when Imitrex (sumatriptan) was unsuccessful. Added Gastrodia Complex + acupuncture. Result: no migraine episodes for more than 6 months; continues herbal combination.

Related Reading

Also see: Gardenia Complex – for excess-type hypertension with high BP and fast heart rate | Gentiana Complex – for hypertension with Liver fire | Cholisma – for high cholesterol and triglycerides | Cholisma (ES) – for high cholesterol with fatty liver and obesity | Corydalin (AC) – for acute headache | Corydalin (CR) – for chronic headache | Herbal DRX – for hypertension with edema | Circulation (SJ) – for stubborn hypertension with blood stagnation | Neuro Plus – for stroke complications | Lycium Support – for visual disturbances | Kidney Tonic (Yin) – for Kidney yin deficiency | Cardiovascular & Blood Pressure Support Collection.