Xiāo Yáo Sǎn
Xiāo Yáo Sǎn (逍遥散, “Free Wanderer Powder”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Disperses Liver stagnation, tones Spleen Blood, harmonizes Liver and Spleen.
Main action
Disperses Liver stagnation, tones Spleen Blood, harmonizes Liver and Spleen
One of the most used formulas in modern TCM. 'Xiao Yao' means 'to wander freely', describing the ideal state of Liver Qi in free flow.
Indications
- Rib distension
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth and throat
- Fatigue
- premenstrual syndrome
- Menstrual irregularity
- Tongue
- Pale or slightly red at edges, thin coating
- Pulse
- ropey and weak
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chái Hú 柴胡 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Disperses stagnation of Liver Qi |
| Bái Sháo 白芍 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Blood, softens Liver, calms pain |
| Dāng Guī 当归 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Nourishes Blood, moves Blood, tones Liver |
| Bái Zhú 白术 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Tones spleen, eliminates moisture |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, calms Mind |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Harmonizes, tones Spleen |
| Bò Hé 薄荷 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 3g | Helps disperse heat from stagnant Liver |
| Wēi Jiāng 煨姜 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 3g | Warms the spleen, activates circulation |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Powder: 6-9g, 2 times/day. Decoction: boil 25 min. Mint is added the last 5 min
Classical modifications
Add: Mu Dan Pi (牡丹皮) 9g, Zhi Zi (栀子) 9g → Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (加味逍遥散)
Current uses being studied
- premenstrual syndrome
- mild depression
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- chronic hepatitis
- Fibromyalgia
Precautions
- Avoid in excessive heat without modification
- Do not use if there is only fullness without deficiency
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 逍遥散
- English name
- Free Wanderer Powder
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- Category
- Harmonize the Liver
- Constitutions
- Qi Stagnation Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
