Xiao Yao San is an ancient Chinese herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support emotional well-being and help the body adapt to occasional stress. It is also known as "Free and Easy Wanderer" or "Rambling Powder" and is one of the most popular herbal formulas across the Traditional Chinese Medicine landscape.

Xiao Yao San contains a blend of herbs that work together to help maintain the smooth flow of Qi and blood, nourish the liver, and promote overall wellbeing.

The formula was first recorded in the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang, a medical text from the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD).  It was originally formulated by a famous Chinese physician named Zhang Jing-Yue, and has since been used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)  to support mood balance, women’s wellness, and digestive comfort.

The key herbs in Xiao Yao San include:

• Bupleurum root (Chai Hu)

• Chinese angelica root (Dang Gui)

• White peony root (Bai Shao)

• Poria (Fu Ling)

• Atractylodes root (Bai Zhu)

• Ginger root (Pao Jiang)

• Licorice root (Gan Cao)

• Mint leaf (Bo He)

Each herb in Xiao Yao San has a specific function and works together with the other herbs in the formula to promote overall health and well-being. Bupleurum root, for example, is the chief herb in the formula and is known for its ability to promote the smooth flow of Liver Qi.

Chinese angelica root and white peony root are also liver-nourishing herbs that help support women’s wellness and help maintain a healthy balance throughout the cycle. Poria, atractylodes root, and ginger root are used to support digestive comfort and ease occasional bloating, while licorice root is added to harmonize the various herbs in the formula.

Xiao Yao San for Liver Qi stagnation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiao Yao San is commonly used to support emotional harmony and maintain the free flow of Qi, particularly when occasional frustration or tension arises.. This can be caused by stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, or emotional trauma. By regulating the flow of Qi and blood, nourishing the liver, and promoting emotional balance, Xiao Yao San may help support emotional balance and overall vitality during times of occasional stress or tension.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.