- Bai ZhuWhite AtractylodesAtractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma
Strengthens the Spleen, dries dampness
- Bai ShaoWhite Peony RootPaeoniae Radix Alba
Nourishes Blood, softens the Liver
- Chai HuBupleurumBupleuri Radix
Soothes the Liver, relieves Qi stagnation
- Dang GuiChinese Angelica RootAngelicae Sinensis Radix
Nourishes and invigorates Blood
- Fu LingPoriaPoria
Strengthens the Spleen, drains dampness
- Bo HeField Mint / PeppermintMenthae Haplocalycis Herba
Helps the Liver vent and spread Qi
- Sheng JiangFresh GingerZingiberis Rhizoma Recens
Harmonizes the middle, warms the Spleen
- Zhi Gan CaoHoney-Fried Licorice RootGlycyrrhizae Radix Praeparata
Harmonizes the formula, tonifies Qi
Take 3 capsules twice per day, or as directed by your practitioner.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding — consult required
- Use of blood-thinning / anticoagulant medication — consult required
- Take separately from prescription medications unless advised by your provider
- Discontinue and consult your provider if symptoms worsen
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Blue Poppy
Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer)
A classic formula traditionally used to soothe Liver Qi stagnation and support emotional balance, digestion, and menstrual regularity.
TCM Functions
- Soothes the Liver and relieves Qi stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen and supports digestion
- Nourishes the Blood
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Traditional Indications
- Stress, irritability, and emotional tension
- Bloating, poor appetite, or fatigue related to digestion
- Premenstrual discomfort and irregular menstruation
- Feelings of being 'stuck' or wound-up
Biomedical Indications
- Stress and nervous tension
- Premenstrual discomfort (PMS)
- Stress-related digestive upset
- Low mood associated with stress
- Irregular menstrual cycles
About This Formula
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, many everyday complaints — tension across the chest and ribs, a short fuse, stress-related bloating, and unpredictable menstrual cycles — trace back to a single pattern: the Liver losing its smooth, ‘free and easy’ flow of Qi while the Spleen, the body’s digestive engine, runs short on support.
Xiao Yao San was formulated for exactly this picture. It gently moves stagnant Liver Qi so emotional pressure can ease, while strengthening the Spleen and nourishing Blood so digestion steadies and energy returns. It is traditionally chosen when stress, mood, digestion, and the menstrual cycle seem tangled together rather than being separate concerns. As always, the most appropriate formula depends on an individual’s TCM pattern, which the quick screening below helps confirm.
Traditionally used for
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Book a one-on-one Virtual Herbal Consult with Dr. Winke for a personalized recommendation.
Book a Virtual Herbal ConsultFrequently Asked Questions
Xiao Yao San ("Free & Easy Wanderer") is traditionally used to soothe Liver Qi stagnation and support emotional balance, healthy digestion, and menstrual regularity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver, Spleen, and digestive system are closely connected and affected by stress — this formula is traditionally directed at harmonizing them.
It varies from person to person. Many people notice subtle improvements in mood and digestion within one to two weeks of consistent use, though the right timeline depends on your individual pattern and constitution.
Please consult a qualified practitioner before combining herbal formulas with prescription medications, as herbs can interact with how some medications are processed. This is exactly what our quick screening and Virtual Herbal Consult are designed to check.
Those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or who have liver disease should avoid this formula or use it only under direct practitioner supervision. If you take blood-thinning medication, please consult us first. When in doubt, book a Virtual Herbal Consult.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San ("Free & Easy Wanderer Plus") adds two cooling herbs (Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi) to address stagnation patterns that have turned to heat — with signs like irritability, restlessness, or heat sensations. Standard Xiao Yao San is used when those heat signs aren't present. A practitioner can help determine which fits your pattern.
Follow the dosage on the product and any guidance from your practitioner. Because TCM is pattern-based, dosing is best personalized — our Virtual Herbal Consult can tailor it to you.
Chinese herbal formulas work best when matched to your individual TCM pattern. Our quick safety screening helps ensure this formula is appropriate for you, and for anything beyond a routine fit, we recommend a Virtual Herbal Consult with Dr. Winke.
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The foundational Blood-nourishing formula of Chinese medicine, traditionally used for Blood deficiency with pale complexion, dizziness, and irregular menstruation.
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Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
The foundational Qi-tonifying formula of Chinese medicine, traditionally used for Spleen Qi deficiency with fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal supplement.