Decoding Tienma Gastrodia Rhizome

In this video, Prof Brand explores the detailed macroscopic identification of Tienma Gastrodia Rhizome in Chinese herbal medicine. Traditional technical terms are employed to describe its unique features, such as a top resembling a parrot’s mouth, an oblate body with dotted annulations, and a disk-like bottom with horn-like texture upon fracturing.

Next, he delves into the rich cultural background that influences these picturesque terms, including references like “chicken claw” for Coptus rhizome and “chicken head” for Huangjing. He highlights the importance of preserving and translating nearly 200 traditional technical terms, offering examples like “Golden Well with Jade Fence” for Platikoda and “Cloudy Brocade” for Heshouwu.