Dizziness and Vertigo

INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

Wolfporia, fruit 36mg

White Atractylodes, root 27mg

Nutgrass, rhiz. 27mg

Jujube, fruit 27mg

Mandarin, peel 18mg

Gastrodia, rhiz. 18mg

Licorice, root 9mg

Ginger, root 9mg

Store below 30°C

Contains 300 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 41621

Made in Australia. (Logo)

Indications: full sensation in the head with dizziness, vertigo, meniere’s, rising in the ears.

Actions: calms the liver, reduces upward pressure, clears the head.

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times per day or as symptoms return. Take anytime.

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Use with Dry Cough or Sticky Yellow Phlegm.

Treat more, not less. Treat sooner, rather than later.

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Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang – "Dizziness & Vertigo"

Helping the Brain Find Its Balance Again

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A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to relieve dizziness, vertigo, nausea and poor balance by improving circulation to the head, clearing excess phlegm and restoring the body's natural sense of equilibrium.

What is Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang?

Nearly everyone has felt dizzy at some point.

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Standing up too quickly.

Turning over in bed.

Looking upwards.

Sometimes the room spins.

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Sometimes you feel as though you're walking on a boat.

Sometimes your head simply doesn't feel connected to the rest of your body.

For some people these episodes become frequent.

Driving becomes uncomfortable.

Walking feels uncertain.

Looking up triggers spinning.

Simple daily activities become exhausting.

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Chinese medicine recognised this pattern centuries ago.

It observed that dizziness often develops when the brain receives confusing sensory information because circulation, fluid balance and nervous system regulation have become disturbed.

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Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang was developed to restore that balance.

At Chiron Medical we call it "Dizziness & Vertigo."

Because its purpose is simple—to help the world stop spinning.

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A Formula for Balance

Healthy balance depends upon several body systems working together.

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Your brain.

Your inner ears.

Your circulation.

Your nervous system.

Your vision.

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When these systems lose harmony, dizziness develops.

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang works to restore the body's normal balance mechanisms.

Why We Call It "Dizziness & Vertigo"

Typical symptoms include:

• vertigo

• dizziness

• spinning sensation

• nausea

• poor balance

• motion sensitivity

• heavy-headedness

• headaches associated with dizziness

• fatigue

• brain fog

Many people also complain of feeling as though they are walking on a moving boat.

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang is prescribed for Phlegm-Damp obstructing the head with rising Liver Yang.

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In modern clinical practice it is commonly considered for supportive management of:

• benign positional vertigo

• chronic dizziness

• Ménière-like symptoms

• vestibular dysfunction

• motion sickness

• migraine-associated vertigo

• nausea associated with dizziness

• tension headaches with dizziness

A Formula with More Than 700 Years of History

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang first appeared in the Pi Wei Lun (Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach) by Li Dongyuan during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD).

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Li Dongyuan recognised that chronic digestive weakness could produce excess body fluids that accumulated as Phlegm, eventually disturbing the head and nervous system.

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Modern research increasingly recognises similar relationships between metabolic health, inflammation, vestibular function and neurological disease.

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The Herbs That Make the Formula

Balance depends on constant communication between the eyes, inner ears and brain. Every movement of the head generates thousands of tiny signals that allow us to remain upright and know where we are in space. When these signals become distorted—whether through changes in inner ear function, poor circulation, excess fluid or disruption of normal neurological processing—the result is dizziness, vertigo, nausea and an unsettling sense that the world is moving when it should not.

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Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang was developed to restore this balance. Rather than simply suppressing dizziness, it combines herbs that improve fluid regulation, support healthy vestibular function, calm the nervous system and restore clear communication between the digestive system, circulation and brain.

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Fu Ling (Wolfiporia)

Traditional Role

Fu Ling provides the foundation of the formula by helping the body regulate fluid balance while supporting healthy digestion. Chinese physicians recognised that disturbances of fluid metabolism often extended beyond the digestive system, contributing to dizziness, heaviness and impaired balance.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity together with immune modulation and support for healthy gut microbiota. Experimental studies also suggest regulation of fluid homeostasis, protection of neural tissues and beneficial effects on the gut-brain axis, an important pathway increasingly recognised in neurological health.

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Root)

Traditional Role

Bai Zhu strengthens digestive function and improves the body's ability to process fluids efficiently. Within the formula it helps reduce the production of excess fluid that may contribute to dizziness and persistent head heaviness.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates protection of intestinal barrier function, modulation of gastrointestinal motility and anti-inflammatory activity together with support for nutrient absorption. Studies also suggest improvements in metabolic regulation and reductions in systemic inflammation that may influence neurological recovery.

Xiang Fu (Nutgrass Rhizome)

Traditional Role

Xiang Fu restores smooth movement through the chest and upper digestive system while helping relieve the sensation of fullness, nausea and discomfort that commonly accompany vertigo.

Biomedical Actions

Research suggests smooth muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory activity and modulation of autonomic nervous system function together with beneficial effects on gastrointestinal motility and stress-related physiological responses.

Da Zao (Jujube Fruit)

Traditional Role

Recovery from dizziness requires more than correcting balance alone. Da Zao nourishes the body during recovery, helping improve resilience while reducing the fatigue that often follows prolonged vestibular disorders.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antioxidant and immune-modulating activity together with neuroprotective effects and support for gastrointestinal function. Experimental studies also suggest protection against oxidative stress and improved regulation of inflammatory signalling.

Chen Pi (Mandarin Peel)

Traditional Role

Chen Pi helps restore normal movement through the digestive system while reducing the sensation of fullness and nausea frequently associated with vertigo. It also assists the movement of fluids throughout the body, complementing the actions of Fu Ling and Bai Zhu.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates improvements in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility together with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies also suggest regulation of smooth muscle function and support for normal digestive physiology.

Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome)

Traditional Role

Tian Ma is one of Chinese medicine's classic herbs for dizziness and vertigo. Traditionally it has been used whenever imbalance, spinning sensations or headaches suggest the nervous system has become overactive or unstable.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity together with regulation of cerebral blood flow. Experimental studies suggest protection against neuronal injury, modulation of vestibular function, reduced excitatory neurotransmission and improvements in balance disorders associated with cerebral ischaemia and hypertension. (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

Traditional Role

Gan Cao harmonises the prescription while soothing the digestive system and supporting recovery. It helps balance the actions of the stronger herbs while protecting delicate tissues during treatment.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulating activity together with protection of gastrointestinal mucosa. Glycyrrhizin has also shown neuroprotective and tissue-protective effects in experimental models.

Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Root)

Traditional Role

Ginger has long been valued for relieving nausea and settling the stomach during episodes of dizziness. Within the formula it also helps improve digestion and supports the movement of fluids through the digestive tract.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antiemetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity together with regulation of gastric motility. Studies suggest beneficial effects on vestibular-induced nausea through modulation of gastric function and serotonergic pathways.

How the Formula Works

The brain relies on constant sensory information from the inner ears, eyes and muscles to maintain balance. At the same time, healthy circulation supplies oxygen and nutrients to the balance centres of the brain, while normal fluid regulation prevents excessive pressure from developing within the vestibular system. When any of these processes become disturbed, dizziness and vertigo may develop.

Chinese physicians recognised that vertigo was rarely caused by a single problem. They observed that digestive dysfunction, altered fluid regulation and disturbances affecting the nervous system frequently occurred together, creating a pattern in which patients experienced dizziness, nausea, heaviness of the head and poor concentration.

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang reflects this integrated understanding. Some herbs improve fluid regulation, others support digestive function and reduce nausea, while Tian Ma helps stabilise the nervous system and protect normal vestibular function. Together they create the conditions needed for clearer balance signalling between the inner ear and brain.

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Modern research suggests the formula may improve cerebral circulation, regulate vestibular function, reduce neuroinflammation and support recovery following disorders of the posterior circulation. Experimental studies have also demonstrated effects on nitric oxide signalling, vascular relaxation, neuronal protection and the gut-brain axis, helping explain why the formula continues to be used for dizziness and vertigo today. Clinical studies suggest it may improve symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency vertigo, particularly when used alongside conventional treatment, although higher-quality trials are still needed. (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

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Comparing the Chiron Medical Liver & Neurology Formulas

One of the most fascinating concepts in Chinese medicine is that many neurological conditions represent the progressive evolution of one underlying imbalance.

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The earliest stage is often emotional stress.

If left unresolved, tension builds.

Heat develops.

Blood pressure rises.

The nervous system becomes increasingly irritable.

Eventually the brain itself becomes affected.

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Understanding the Progression

One of the unique features of the Chiron Formula Network is recognising that many neurological disorders develop gradually.

Stage 1

Stress (Xiao Yao San)

Emotional stress begins disrupting normal nervous system regulation.

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Stage 2

Free Flow (Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang)

Stress becomes physically noticeable.

Muscles tighten.

Menstrual discomfort appears.

Digestive symptoms become common.

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Stage 3

Stress Belly (Shu Gan Tang)

Digestive function begins suffering as chronic stress affects the gut.

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Stage 4

Stressed, Hot & Irritable (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San)

Persistent emotional stress begins generating inflammatory Heat.

Headaches.

Irritability.

Poor sleep.

Facial flushing.

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Stage 5

Liver Fire (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang)

Inflammation becomes more intense.

Blood pressure may rise.

Eyes become red.

Headaches worsen.

The nervous system becomes increasingly overstimulated.

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Stage 6

Dizziness & Vertigo (Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang)

Inflammation and disturbed fluid regulation begin affecting the balance centres of the brain.

Vertigo develops.

The room spins.

Walking becomes difficult.

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Stage 7

Tremors & Trembles (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin)

Persistent neurological irritation progresses to tremor, shaking and uncontrolled movement.

Chinese medicine refers to this final stage as Internal Wind, reflecting increasing instability within the nervous system.

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For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

Classical Pattern

Phlegm-Damp obstructing the middle and disturbing the clear Yang, with Liver Wind rising

Typical presentation:

• dizziness

• vertigo

• nausea

• vomiting

• heavy sensation in the head

• chest or epigastric fullness

• poor appetite

• fatigue

• tongue with greasy white coating

• slippery or wiry pulse

Formula Strategy

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang:

• Dries Dampness.

• Transforms Phlegm.

• Strengthens the Spleen.

• Harmonises the Stomach.

• Extinguishes Wind.

• Relieves dizziness and vertigo.

Clinical Differentiation

Use this formula when dizziness is associated with digestive weakness, nausea, heaviness and phlegm-damp signs.

Differentiate from:

• Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin — stronger for tremor, hypertension, headaches and Liver Yang rising.

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang — stronger for red eyes, bitter taste, irritability and inflammatory Heat.

• Jia Wei Xiao Yao San — better for stress with Heat but without significant vertigo.

• Shu Gan Tang / Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang — better when Qi stagnation, pain, bloating and emotional constraint dominate.

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research into the constituent herbs suggests possible effects on:

• vestibular inflammation

• nausea pathways

• autonomic nervous system regulation

• cerebral blood flow

• neuroinflammation

• gastrointestinal motility

• gut-brain signalling

• fluid regulation

The formula is best understood as a gut-brain and vestibular support formula, especially where dizziness is associated with nausea, poor digestion, heaviness and motion sensitivity.

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is advisable in patients taking:

• antiemetics

• vestibular suppressants

• sedatives

• benzodiazepines

• antihypertensive medications

• anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications

• diuretics

Patients with sudden severe vertigo, new neurological symptoms, facial droop, slurred speech, severe headache, chest pain, fainting, new hearing loss or difficulty walking should receive urgent medical assessment.

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang is intended as supportive care and should not delay investigation of stroke, vestibular neuritis, Ménière's disease, cardiac causes, medication effects or other serious causes of dizziness.

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Clinical Insights

Vertigo Following Chronic Stress

Many people with persistent dizziness have experienced years of chronic stress before vertigo develops.

Practitioners often consider earlier formulas such as:

• DeStress (Xiao Yao San)

• Free Flow (Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang)

• Cool, Calm & Collected (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San)

to address the underlying pattern that contributed to the dizziness.

Dizziness with Liver Fire

When dizziness is accompanied by:

• severe headaches

• facial flushing

• red eyes

• irritability

• bitter taste

practitioners may combine:

• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Liver Fire)

to reduce the inflammatory process affecting the nervous system.

Progression Towards Neurological Disease

If dizziness progresses to:

• tremor

• shaking

• muscle twitching

• poor coordination

practitioners often transition towards:

• Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Tremors & Trembles)

reflecting the progression from disturbed balance towards neurological overactivity.

Addressing the Root Cause

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang is particularly valuable when dizziness is associated with:

• poor digestion

• nausea

• heavy-headedness

• excessive mucus

• fatigue

This reflects Li Dongyuan's original insight that healthy digestion provides the foundation for healthy neurological function.

The Chiron Medical Neurology Network

One of the most remarkable teachings of Chinese medicine is that the brain is often the last organ to complain.

Long before dizziness develops, the body may have been giving warning signs for years.

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Stress.

Digestive problems.

Muscle tension.

Inflammation.

Headaches.

High blood pressure.

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Only later do balance and neurological symptoms appear.

Recognising these earlier stages allows treatment to begin before more serious neurological disease develops.

Key Takeaways

• Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Dizziness & Vertigo) is a classical Chinese herbal formula used to support balance, reduce dizziness and improve vestibular function.

• It is particularly valuable for dizziness associated with nausea, heavy-headedness, digestive weakness and chronic stress.

• Within the Chiron Medical Neurology Network, it occupies the transition between Liver Fire and Tremors & Trembles, illustrating how long-standing stress and inflammation can eventually affect the brain and nervous system.

• By recognising these stages early, treatment can address the underlying process rather than simply reacting to the final neurological symptoms.

I think this may become one of the signature educational pieces in the Chiron Formula Network. It elegantly shows how Chinese medicine views stress, digestion, inflammation, hypertension, vertigo and neurological disease as connected stages of one evolving process, while using language that is understandable to both patients and healthcare professionals.