Xiao Yao Wan - Free and Easy Wanderer
Herbal Formula Database
Xiao Yao Wan Herbal Formula Classifications and Usages
The herbal formula "xiao yao wan" , 逍遥丸, which in english is "free and easy wanderer", is categorized within the "harmonize" functional grouping and within the "regulate and harmonize the liver and spleen" sub-category.
You may also see this formula referenced by: Xiao Yao San, Rambling Powder, Tangkuei and Bupleurum Formula.
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Depression, anxiety, loss of motivation - resulting from liver qi stagnation.
- Fatigue, bloating, changes in appetite from the combination of spleen qi deficiency with liver qi stagnation.
- PMS, breast distention, irregular menstruation and in some cases infertility.
Xiao Yao Wan has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
Our shop contains xiao yao wan from the following manufacturers:
($23.00) Add To Cart View Xiao Yao San - Sun Ten
($9.99) Add To Cart View Xiao Yao Wan - HBW
For many reasons such as availability, ecological choices, and/or price, each manufacturer or herbalist may well adjust the exact composition of a specific formula. Xiao Yao Wan is generally comprised of the following herbs:
ViewBai Shao (White Peony Root)
Nourishes the blood and regulates menstrual problems due to blood deficiency (pale, lusterless complexion and nails) - menstrual dysfunction, vaginal discharge, uterine bleeding - very common herb fo…
ViewBai Zhu (Atractylodes (White) Rhizome)
Tonifies the spleen, augments qi, dries dampness - diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, edema. Stabilizes the exterior and stops sweating - spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency. Calm…
ViewChai Hu (Thorowax Root, Bupleurum)
Clears shao yang disorders and reduces fever - alternating chills and fever, bitter taste in the mouth, irritability, vomiting, stifling sensation in the chest. Relieves liver qi stagnation (often u…
ViewDang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root)
Tonifies the blood, regulates menses - pallid, ashen complexion, tinnitus, blurred vision, palpitations, irregular menses, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea. Invigorates/harmonizes the blood, disperses cold …
ViewFu Ling (Poria, China Root)
Promotes urination, drains dampness, transforms phlegm - urinary difficulty, diarrhea, edema, headache, dizziness, greasy tongue coat. Strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the middle jiao - diarrhea, …
ViewZhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root)
This preparation increases the qi tonifying aspects of the heart and spleen along with its general harmonizing function within formulas. See Gan Cao for complete information.
A single formula, alone, may not be sufficient to fully address a particular TCM diagnostic pattern. Formulas may be used alone, in combinations, and/or in stages. Xiao Yao Wan is a candidate for consideration when needing to influence liver blood deficiency, liver qi stagnation and/or spleen qi deficiency.
Xiao Yao Wan may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored overall approach, to influence the following conditions: anxiety, depression, headache, infertility, irregular menstruation, panic attack, postpartum depression and/or premenstrual syndrome (pms)
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding xiao yao wan.
- This formula can be used to help mitigate the effects of stress - whether it is physical, emotional, mental, or some combination.
- One study found Xiao Yao Wan to have an antidepressent effect via modulation of the glutamate/glutamine cycle.
As noted above, xiao yao wan is within the harmonize functional group. And it appears within the sub-category "regulate and harmonize the liver and spleen", which contains the following formulas:
ViewChai Hu Shu Gan Wan (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)
Liver qi stagnation signs - hypochondriac tension, abdominal pain, IBS symptoms Alternating chills and fever.
ViewDa Bu Gan Wan (Major Liver Nutrition Pills)
Brittle nails, yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Abdominal cramping, distension or pain in the hypochrondia due to liver qi stangation Fatty liver, hepatitis and other liver diseases.
ViewJiang Ya Wan (Repress The Blood Pressure Pills)
Hypertension particularly with ascendent yang and heat signs - red face, red tongue, headaches, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
ViewJia Wei Gui Pi Wan (Augmented Restore The Spleen Decoction)
A combination of jia wei xiao yao wan and gui pi wan - similar effects but with more spleen qi and blood tonification. A range of stress related issues - essentially mixes of stagnation with underly…
ViewJia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills)
Derived from the base formula, xiao yao wan, an important formula for liver qi stagnation with herbs added to clear heat. Liver qi stagnation - menstrual issues, painful cycles, irregular cycles, br…
ViewPian Tou Tong Wan (Migraine Pills)
Headaches and/or migraines caused by liver yang or liver fire rising.
ViewPing Gan Liu Qi Yin Wan (Dang Gui And Pinellia Combination)
Liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency heat - signs of heat, red eyes, possibly anxiety and/or irritability, etc. along with digestive issues such as gastritis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, hernia.…
ViewShao Yao Gan Cao Wan (Peony and Licorice Decoction)
Cramping and/or muscle spasms that are due to fluid deficiency. Frozen shoulder, trigger finger. General tightness or cramps especially along the tendons or ligaments. Restless leg syndrome for pa…
ViewShu Gan Wan (Liver Comfort Pills)
Abdominal and/or Hypochondriac pain, cramps or spasms resulting from liver qi stagnation. Alternating chills and fever. Nausea, bloating, acid reflux, alternating stools, or IBS like symptoms cause…
ViewSi Ni San Wan (Frigid Extremities Powder Pills)
Important formula for liver qi stagnation - manifesting as moodiness, depression, cold in the extremities (particularly hands and/or feet), possibly along with other stress signs - mild headaches, te…
ViewTong Xie Yao Fang Wan (Important Pills for Painful Diarrhea / Calm Wind Pills)
Diarrhea, particularly with abdominal cramping. Diarrhea with alternating constipation.
ViewXiao Chai Hu Tang Wan (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
Shao Yang Syndrome (or "lesser yang stage") - alternating fever and chills, hypochondriac pain, irritability, bitter taste in mouth, poor appetite, nausea. Often used for illnesses (chronic or short…
ViewYi Gan Wan (Restrain The Liver Powder)
Anxiety, palpitations, easily frightened, alternating fevers/chills; heat from deficiency in the liver.Originally designed for Children who had issues such as anger, fright, fevers, insomnia, digesti…
All formulas in the primary category of "harmonize" are listed below.
(truncated intro "...this group of formulas is for internal conditions involving the lesser yang stage of disease (alternating fever and chills). generally thes…)".
All Content 1999-2025
Chad J. Dupuis / Yin Yang House
Our Policies and Privacy Guidelines
Our Affiliated Clinics