Xiao Yao San 逍遙散 - Rambling Powder
Tangkuei and Bupleurum Formula
also known as: Free and Easy Wanderer / EaseTonic™
This formula has accumulated many names since it was first published about a thousand years ago.
Even though it was developed in the Song Dynasty, almost 875 years ago, XIAO YAO SAN's modern applications are amazing and fascinating. It has always been one of the most often prescribed Chinese medicines in the Western world.
The chief herb is CHAI HU, bupleurum root, intended t'o 'open the chest', releasing constraint in our chest caused by our physical reactions to 'stress. This condition is known as Liver Qi Stagnation.
Origin of Xiao Yao San
Formula Source: Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era, 1075-1085 AD
The name XIAO YAO SAN comes from the first chapter title of the literary classic ZHUANG ZI, "Wandering Without a Destination" The book contains stories of an elevated point of view, and rising above the ordinary view of daily life.
FAQs
What does "Xiao Yao" mean?
"Xiao Yao" (逍遙) means "free and easy," "carefree," or "to wander freely." The name reflects the formula's purpose: restoring the smooth flow of Liver Qi so that both body and mind feel relaxed and unconstrained.
The word "San" (散) means "powder." Traditionally, the herbs were ground into a powder before being prepared.
What is Xiao Yao San used for?
It is traditionally prescribed for the TCM pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation with Blood Deficiency and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Symptoms may include:
emotional stress
irritability
mood swings
fatigue
poor digestion
bloating
PMS
irregular menstruation
breast tenderness
headaches
alternating constipation and diarrhea
What is the difference between Xiao Yao San and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San?
Xiao Yao San is generally used before Heat develops.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San adds Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi to clear Heat.
Can men take Xiao Yao San?
Absolutely if they are experiencing
stress
digestive problems
muscle tension
headaches
irritability
Formulas are prescribed according to the TCM pattern, not gender.
Is Xiao Yao San good for anxiety?
It is commonly prescribed when anxiety results from Liver Qi Stagnation, especially when accompanied by digestive symptoms, emotional frustration, or PMS. Other TCM patterns of anxiety require different formulas.
Is Xiao Yao San good for depression?
In TCM, emotional symptoms are evaluated according to the underlying pattern rather than a Western diagnosis. Xiao Yao San is traditionally used when low mood is associated with constrained Liver Qi and Blood Deficiency.
How long does Xiao Yao San take to work?
Some people notice improvements within one to two weeks, while longstanding conditions often require several months.
Why is Xiao Yao San so famous?
Xiao Yao San has been prescribed for centuries because it addresses a pattern that has become increasingly common in modern life:
stress
overwork
emotional frustration
poor diet
It harmonizes the Liver and Spleen while nourishing the Blood, making it one of the most widely used formulas in Chinese medicine.
What’s the Difference Between, XIAO YAO SAN, XIAO YAO PIAN, XIAO YAO WAN, and XIAO YAO TANG?
SAN = Powder (milled or granulated)
PIAN = Tablet (modern looking pill)
WAN = Pill (old-style or handmade pill, or black teapill)
JIAONANG = Capsule
TANG = Water Decoction (boiled whole herbs)
Our Clinical Perspective
In our experience, Xiao Yao San is often misunderstood as a "stress formula." In reality, it is designed for a very specific TCM pattern. Many patients under stress actually require modifications or entirely different formulas depending on whether they have Heat, Blood Deficiency, Phlegm, Qi Deficiency, or Kidney deficiency. Correctly matching the formula to the patient's pattern is the key to successful treatment.
XIAO YAO SAN Safety
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Use with caution for those with Qi Stagnation with underlying Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency.
Pregnant women are advised to consult with their health care providers before using any supplement.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is powerful and reliable, but it can also be complex. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment aren't recommended for chronic, recurring, or serious illness. Best to Start an E-mail Consultation.
XIAO YAO SAN Ingredients
- CHAI HU, Bupleurum root
- BAI SHAO, Paeonia lactiflora root
- DANG GUI, Angelica sinensis root
- BAI ZHU, Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome
- FU LING, Poria cocos fungus
- SHENG JIANG, Zingiber officinale rhizome-fresh
- GAN CAO, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root
- BO HE, Mentha haplocalyx herb
Administration and Dosage of XIAO YAO WAN
Free & Easy Tablets: 2-3 tablets, 3 times a day
Xiao Yao San Granules: 2-4 grams, taken 2-3 times a day, best on an empty stomach
Xiao Yao San - Whole Herbs: Using a container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (no aluminum, iron or copper) boil 1 packet of herbs in 2-3 quarts of water for until 2 cups of medicine remain. Add BO HE (mint) at the end of the boiling. This herb should only cook for 3-5 minutes. Strain herbs; save and refrigerate for a second boiling. Drink 1 cup in the AM. And 1 cup in the PM. If desired, repeat the following day, using the saved herbs from the refrigerator.
Information on Xiao Yao San is for educational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.