Xiao Yao Wan - Free and Easy Wanderer - TCM Herbal Formula

Chinese Name: Xiao Yao Wan
English Name: Free and Easy Wanderer

Formula Category


  • Harmonize
  • Regulate and Harmonize the Liver and Spleen

Clinical Usage and Indications

Depression, anxiety, Headache, vertigo, hypochondriac pain, fatigue, poor appetite, bitter taste in the mouth.  In women - PMS, breast distention, irregular menstruation, fertility issues.

The Pulse will be wiry and deficient and the Tongue will be pale-red/purplish.

Related TCM Diagnostic Patterns


Clinical Formula Combinations and Modifications:

Staff Clinician Notes:

There are no staff notes at this time.

Related Formulas Available In Our Store

  • Xiao Yao Pian
  • Ease Tonic (concentrated capsules of xiao yao wan, easier to take over longer periods of time)
  • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Pian (modified version with the addition of heat clearing herbs, better for issues listed above along with skin issues such as eczema or dermatitis and/or stronger headaches, flushed face, etc.)

Cautions and Contraindications:

None at this time.  As always consult with an acupuncturist/herbalist before use.

Related Western Medical Conditions:


Individual Chinese Herbs In This Formula:


  • Bai Shao
  • Herb Functions
    • 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 for gynecological disorders (Si Wu Tang).
    • Calms liver yang, alleviates pain from constrained liver qi or disharmony between the liver and the spleen due to liver yang rising - cramping and spasms (limbs and abdomen), abdominal pain from dysentery, headache and dizziness.
    • Preserves yin, adjusts ying and wei levels - vaginal discharge and spermatorrhea, exterior wind-cold from deficiency with continuous sweating, spontaneous sweating, night sweats.

  • Contraindications
    • Incompatible with Li Lu
    • Avoid in cases of yang deficiency and cold in the middle jiao - diarrhea, cold sensation in the stomach.

  • Bai Zhu
  • Herb Functions
    • 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.
    • Calms the fetus - arising from spleen deficiency.

  • Chai Hu
  • Herb Functions
    • 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 used with Bai Shao) - vertigo, menstrual disorders, chest and flank pain, the most common herb to treat stress, irritability, depression, etc.; also for liver and spleen disharmony - bloating, nausea, indigestion, flank pain.
    • Raises yang qi in spleen and stomach deficiency patterns (often used with Sheng Ma) - prolapsed organ, diarrhea, hemorrhoids.

  • Contraindications
    • Due to its rising and dispersing nature avoid in yin deficiency or liver yang rising.
    • May cause nausea or vomiting - use a smaller dose if necessary.

  • Dang Gui
  • Herb Functions
    • Tonifies the blood, regulates menses - pallid, ashen complexion, tinnitus, blurred vision, palpitations, irregular menses, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea.
    • Invigorates/harmonizes the blood, disperses cold - important herb to stop pain due to blood stasis - abdominal pain, trauma, carbuncles due to blood stasis, chronic bi.
    • Moistens dry intestines due to blood deficiency.
    • Reduces swellings, expels pus, generates flesh - sores.

  • Fu Ling
  • Herb Functions
    • Promotes urination, drains dampness, transforms phlegm - urinary difficulty, diarrhea, edema, headache, dizziness, greasy tongue coat.
    • Strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the middle jiao - diarrhea, loss of appetite.
    • Quiets the heart and calms the spirit - palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness.

  • Contraindications
    • Avoid Vinegar While Using This Herb.

  • Zhi Gan Cao
  • Herb Functions
    • 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.