Gastrodia vs Dracocephalum moldavica

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gastrodia

Gastrodia elata

Nervine

Nervine

Gastrodia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Dracocephalum moldavica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Precious TCM herb for calming internal wind and treating headaches and dizziness. One of the few orchid-family plants used medicinally.

European and Central Asian herb with lemon fragrance; used for digestive and nervous conditions.

Active Compounds

gastrodin, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin, parishin

rosmarinic acid, luteolin, acacetin, apigenin, ursolic acid

Traditional Uses

Calming liver wind, Treating headaches and migraines, Relieving dizziness and vertigo

digestive disorders, anxiety, headache, antimicrobial

Modern Uses

Neuroprotective support, Migraine prevention, Memory enhancement

carminative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

3-10g dried rhizome in decoction

3-5g dried herb or 2-3ml tincture daily

Contraindications

Blood deficiency patterns

pregnancy large doses, sedative medications

Side Effects

Dry mouth, Dizziness at high doses

generally safe

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E