Formula

Xiao Yao Wan

Free & Easy Wanderer | 逍遥散

Also known as:

Easy Wanderer pill , Xiao Yao San , Rambling Powder , Xiao Yao Tang , Bupleurum and Dang Gui Formula , Happy Day Blend

Actions

Soothes the Liver, Resolves constraint and regulates mood, Relieves Liver Qi Stagnation, Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen, Nourishes Blood, Strengthens the Spleen

Category

Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

Key Ingredients

Chai Hu

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Quantity

$41.00 ($0.41/g)
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Product Overview

Detailed information about this formula product

Product Type

Granules

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Treasure of the East

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Ingredients in Xiao Yao Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Xiao Yao Wan 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 Wan
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.
Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Yao Wan
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.
Bai Shao
Bai Shao

White peony roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Sour
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiao Yao Wan
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.
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 Wan
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.
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiao Yao Wan
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.
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 Wan
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.

Usage & Safety

How to use this formula and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Modern Usage

Xiao Yao Wan is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formula that has been prized since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) for its ability to manage stress-related symptoms. This formula combines six main medicinal herbs to harmonize the body's Qi, specifically targeting Liver-Spleen disharmony and mood imbalances.

In TCM, this formula is used to regulate Liver Qi, strengthen the Spleen, and tonify the Blood. Practitioners often prescribe Xiao Yao Wan for symptoms such as irritability, headaches, fatigue, PMS, and other conditions related to Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Deficiency, and Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Cautions & Warnings

This formula is typically safe for most individuals, but it can lead to side effects in some cases. Pregnant, nursing, or postpartum women, as well as those with liver conditions, should use this formula cautiously and preferably under professional supervision.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner before beginning treatment with Xiao Yao Wan.

TCM Properties

Traditional Chinese Medicine characteristics and actions of this formula

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This formula is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

This is just partial information on the formula's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the formula's dedicated page

Formula Category

Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

Main Actions

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

Formula Origin

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

Formula Description

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.