Formula Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

Xiao Yao San

逍遥散

Also known as:

Rambling Powder , Bupleurum and Dang Gui Formula , Xiao Yao Wan

Formula Composition

Chai Hu
Chai Hu
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Bai Shao
Bai Shao
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
  2. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
  3. Nourishes the Blood

Patterns Treated

Liver Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Deficiency, Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen, Damp-Heat, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiao Yao San

Main Actions

Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
Nourishes the Blood

Key TCM Concepts

Xiao Yao San is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen. Its main actions are: 1) harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen and 2) relieves Liver Qi stagnation.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Xiao Yao San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation, Liver Qi Deficiency or Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as menstrual cramps, low breast milk supply or irregular menstruation for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Liver Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Qi Deficiency
  • Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen
  • Damp-Heat
  • Qi And Blood Stagnation
  • Liver Qi Stagnation
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen

Common Applications

Menstrual cramps Low breast milk supply Irregular menstruation Abnormal vaginal discharge Late menstruation Hepatitis Cholecystitis Peptic ulcers Gastric neurosis Chronic gastritis Cirrhosis Premenstrual syndrome Fibrocystic breasts Perimenopausal syndrome Pelvic inflammatory disease Uterine fibroids

Ingredients in Xiao Yao San

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Yao San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Chai Hu
Chai Hu

Bupleurum roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Liver
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Yao San
Chai Hu To spreads the Liver Qi, relieves Stagnation and helps guide the other herbs into the Liver. Because of its cooling nature, it is also particularly dealing with Qi Stagnation that has started to generate Heat.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Yao San
Dang Gui works together with White peony roots, the other deputy in this formula, to nourish Blood. This nourishing role also in turn helps strengthen the Liver since it stores Blood and is nourished by it.
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Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Yao San
In general Bai Shao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain."

In the context of Xiao Yao San, it is used because it moves Qi and is specific for menstrual problems, especially from emotional stress.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Xiao Yao San
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Xiao Yao San, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiao Yao San
Bai Zhu works together with Poria mushrooms to strengthen the Spleen. Indeed, as described in the famous TCM treaty Essentials from the Golden Cabinet: "When one sees a Liver disorder, one knows that the Liver will transmit it to the Spleen. Therefore, one should first treat the Spleen." Strengthening the Spleen, since it 'rules transformation and transportation', has a direct positive impact on Blood Deficiency.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiao Yao San
Gan Cao tonifies the Spleen and, when combined with White peony roots (as is the case here), helps reduce the spasms that are often a symptoms for patients that use this formula.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiao Yao San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for treating purely Deficient disorders.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Xiao Yao San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.