Tianma is a precious traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value. Its rhizome can not only be used as medicine, but also be used to make soup. The most common way to consume it is by making Tianma fish head soup, which not only tastes delicious but also has the effect of nourishing the brain and enhancing intelligence.
【The Efficacy and Functions of Tianma】
1. Calming the liver and extinguishing wind
Tianma has the functions of assisting yang qi, strengthening the body, nourishing yin, replenishing energy, opening up the meridians, etc. It is often used to treat symptoms such as stroke paralysis, limb numbness, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, excessive mental exertion, neurasthenia, insomnia, limb spasm, lowering blood lipid and blood pressure, senile dementia, Parkinson's disease, etc.
2. Dispelling wind and relieving pain
Tianma is rich in fluid and can nourish the blood and calm the wind. It can be used to treat headaches and dizziness caused by blood deficiency and liver wind. It can also be used for pediatric convulsions, epilepsy, and tetanus caused by wind. Tianma is suitable for dizziness caused by internal wind. There are three types of headaches caused by internal wind:
- Liver yang hyperactivity type: Symptoms include simultaneous occurrence of headache and dizziness;
- Obstruction of phlegm turbidity: Symptoms include frequent feeling of heavy head;
- Patients with kidney deficiency: Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and memory decline.
【Applications of Tianma in Prescription】
Tianma is an important medicine for treating dizziness, and its main function is to calm the liver and extinguish wind. It can be used to treat dizziness caused by liver yang hyperactivity, and can be combined with Gouteng and Shijue Ming. The famous wind-relieving prescription "Tianma Gouteng Drink" is an example.
Tianma Gouteng Drink combines Tianma and Gouteng to calm the liver and extinguish wind. Shijue Ming is salty, heavy, and can calm the liver and submerge yang while improving vision. When used together, they enhance the effect of calming the liver and extinguishing wind. Chuanniu Xi promotes blood circulation and water metabolism, and is a supportive medicine.
Duzhong and Jisheng nourish the liver and kidney to treat the root cause; Zhizi and Huangqin clear the liver and reduce fire; Yimucao combined with Chuanniu Xi promotes blood circulation and water metabolism, which is beneficial for calming and reducing liver yang; Yejiaoteng and Zhufushen calm the mind and soothe the spirit, both serving as auxiliary medicines.
If dizziness is caused by phlegm, it can be combined with Banxia, Baizhu, and Fuling for treatment.
【Pharmacological Effects of Tianma】
Modern pharmacological research has shown that Tianma has sedative, analgesic, and anti-convulsant effects. It can increase cerebral blood flow, reduce cerebral vascular resistance, mildly contract cerebral blood vessels, and increase coronary blood flow. Tianma can lower blood pressure, slow down heart rate, and protect against myocardial ischemia. Tianma polysaccharides have immune activity. Tianma can enhance the body's ability to withstand hypoxia and protect workers in high temperature and high altitude areas.
In addition, Tianma has inhibitory effects on early-stage inflammation exudation and swelling, and can promote immune function. Various effective ingredients in Tianma also have antitussive, expectorant, and bile secretion-promoting effects.
Tianma has no toxicity, and experiments have shown that it has no impact on blood picture, liver and kidney functions, and cholesterol. Therefore, Tianma can be used for prevention and treatment without any toxicity.
