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Gastrodia for dizziness and tension headache 天麻息风

Brain, Focus & Memory 健脑·专注·记忆 traditional evidence
What the evidence says:
The 药典 indication for 天麻 is dizziness/vertigo, headache and migraine, numbness and tremor. This is recorded classical use, not verified efficacy — independent evidence for migraine or vertigo is not established.

How to make it

The traditional form is 天麻炖鱼头 — simmer 3–9 g sliced 天麻 with a fish head, ginger and spring onion for about an hour. Eaten as an occasional dish, not a daily course.

Why it works

Nothing here treats a headache disorder. Hydration, regular meals and sleep timing are the interventions with real evidence.

Classical source

天麻 is 上品 in the Shennong Bencao Jing under its older name 赤箭.

Cautions: 天麻 is expensive and frequently adulterated — buy whole slices from a source you trust. IMPORTANT: a sudden severe "worst-ever" headache, headache with fever and neck stiffness, new neurological signs, or vertigo with hearing loss are emergencies. Do not cook for these — get medical help.

Herbs used

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