About xiao yao san

Xiao Yao San, Rambling Powder, is a formula of eight herbs: Chai Hu, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Zhi Gan Cao, Bo He and Sheng Jiang. The catalogue classes it among the formulas that regulate and harmonise the Liver and Spleen, and holds it for a Liver Qi that has stagnated and turned on the Spleen and Stomach.

Herb

Amount

9 g

9 g

9 g

9 g

9 g

6 g

3 g

6 g

Actions and indications

Spreads Liver Qi

Liver Qi stagnation invading the Spleen and Stomach, or with Blood deficiency; stagnation of Qi and Blood
Irritability, low mood, anxiety and moodiness that shift with stress or the menstrual cycle; frequent sighing
Pain and fullness of the flanks, ribs and chest; breast distention; shoulder and back pain
Alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, dry mouth and throat
Gu syndrome

Nourishes the Blood

Blood deficiency with fatigue, lassitude, dizziness, vertigo, headache and a heavy head
Periods irregular or painful, commonly with mood changes and breast symptoms beforehand
Palpitations, insomnia or wanting to sleep more, night sweats, heat in the palms, soles and chest, malar flush
Ying and Wei out of harmony, with Phlegm, cough, tidal fever and thinning limbs, possibly progressing to steaming bones

Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Liver and Spleen

Poor appetite, epigastric pain and distention, wind
Bloating and pain around the navel and abdomen, with diarrhea alternating with constipation
Cold hands and feet, and aching arms and legs
Tongue pink or pale red with a thin white or yellow coat; pulse wiry and deficient, or wiry, tight and deficient

Modern uses

Chronic hepatitis
Viral hepatitis, including anicteric
Hepatitis C
Cirrhosis of the liver
Liver cancer
Cholecystitis and gallstones
Hyperlipoproteinemia
Chronic gastritis
Peptic ulcer
Gastralgia
Acid reflux
Hiatus hernia
Indigestion
Nausea and vomiting
Hiccups
Dysphagia
Anorexia
Enteritis
Colitis
Ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Leaky gut syndrome
Giardiasis
Dysentery
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Stomach cancer
Irregular, early, late, scanty or absent periods
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual syndrome, tension and breast distention or tenderness
Functional uterine bleeding
Menopausal and perimenopausal syndrome
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Vaginal discharge
Infertility
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Fibrocystic breasts and breast lumps
Mastitis
Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Morning sickness
Abdominal pain in pregnancy
Edema in pregnancy
Restless fetus
Depression
Anxiety and anxiety neurosis
Stress
Nervousness in women
Irritability
Bipolar disorder
Affective psychosis
Schizophrenia
Hysteria
Neurasthenia
Insomnia
Stress-related breathing problems
Headache and migraine
Dizziness and vertigo
Meniere's disease
Tinnitus
Deafness
Optic nerve atrophy
Central retinitis
Glaucoma
Acute retrobulbar neuritis
Cortical blindness
Post-concussion syndrome
Neck pain and stiffness
Shoulder pain
Upper, middle and low back pain
Piriformis syndrome
Temporomandibular joint syndrome
Paralysis
Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome
Epstein-Barr virus
Fatigue
Hypoglycemia
Hyperthyroidism
Anemia
Candidiasis
HIV/AIDS
Tuberculosis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Obesity
Hypertension
Palpitations
Acute and chronic tonsillitis
Sore throat
Hoarseness
Pleurisy
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic cough
Asthma
Pertussis
Fever
Prostatitis
Impotence
Polyuria
Stress incontinence
Hernia

Symptoms

Abdominal distention

Abdominal pain

Alternating chills and fever

Alternating constipation and diarrhea

Anxiety

Arm pain

Back pain

Bitter taste in the mouth

Breast distention

Chest fullness

Chest oppression

Cold limbs

Depression

Dizziness

Dry mouth

Dry throat

Dysmenorrhea

Epigastric distention

Epigastric pain

Fatigue

Five-center heat

Flatulence

Headache

Heavy head

Hypochondriac distention

Hypochondriac pain

Insomnia

Irregular menstruation

Irritability

Leg pain

Malar flush

Mood swings

Night sweats

Palpitations

Poor appetite

Premenstrual syndrome

Shoulder pain

Sighing

Somnolence

Modifications

Worse flank pain with distention: + xiang fu, − bai zhu

Intense fixed pain from Blood stasis: + mu dan pi, + yu jin, + san leng

Vaginal discharge: + jin yin hua, + guan zhong

Pain over the liver with tiredness and poor appetite: + xiang fu, + fo shou, + dan shen, + dang shen, − sheng jiang, − bo he

Enlarged Liver and Spleen: + hai piao xiao, + bie jia, + mu li

Chronic hepatitis: + qian cao gen, + hai piao xiao, + dang shen

Fibrocystic breasts: + wang bu liu xing, + ji xue teng, − zhi gan cao

Irregular periods, after the period: tonify Yin and Blood (move the Blood if there are clots): + bai zhu, + gou qi zi, + nu zhen zi, + sang shen, − chai hu

Irregular periods with Spleen deficiency: + bai zhu, + gou qi zi, + nu zhen zi, + sang shen, + fu ling, − chai hu

Delayed menstruation: + xiang fu, + yu jin, + dan shen, + fo shou, + wu mei

Heat signs such as irritability and a short fuse: + mu dan pi, + zhi zi

Chest and flank pain: + san leng, + e zhu

Show all 305 modifications

Poor appetite: + shen qu, + ji nei jin
Vertigo and headache: + chuan xiong, + bai zhi
Qi deficiency: + huang qi, + ren shen
Blood deficiency: + shu di huang
Menstrual pain and cramps: + yan hu suo, + xiang fu, + mu xiang
Irregular menstruation: + yi mu cao, + dan shen
Marked breast distention (combined with Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang)
Stagnant Heat: + mu dan pi, + zhi zi
Full, uncomfortable chest and flanks: + zhi xiang fu, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Light sleep, or easily frightened or startled (one or two of these herbs): + zhen zhu mu, + long chi, + ci shi
Severe pain (two or three of these herbs): + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo, + mo yao, + ru xiang, + qing pi, + bai jie zi
Nausea and vomiting: + xuan fu hua, + zhi ban xia, + sheng jiang
Liver Heat upsetting the Stomach: flank pain, vague gnawing hunger, sour regurgitation, vomiting, belching, bitter taste: + huang lian, + wu zhu yu
Acid reflux: + hai piao xiao, + mu li
Stagnant Qi turning to Heat: worse flank pain, irritability, flushed face, dry mouth, sore red eyes, yellow coat, wiry rapid pulse (two or three of these herbs): + mu dan pi, + yu jin, + zhi zi, + chuan lian zi, + ju hua, + gou teng
Insomnia from stagnant Liver Qi with smoldering Fire: + suan zao ren, + he huan pi
Severe insomnia from stagnant Liver Qi with smoldering Fire: + suan zao ren, + he huan pi, + bai zi ren
Full, distended chest and flanks from stagnant Liver Qi with smoldering Fire: + suan zao ren, + he huan pi, + xiang fu, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Easily startled, from stagnant Liver Qi with smoldering Fire: + suan zao ren, + he huan pi, + long chi, + ci shi
Insomnia: + bai zi ren
Gu syndrome: + zi su ye, + bo he, + bai zhi
Hepatitis C with period cramps from Blood stagnation: + hong hua
Hepatitis C with period cramps from Blood stagnation, alternative: + yi mu cao
Hepatitis C with rib pain: + chuan lian zi
Hepatitis C with rib pain, alternative: + dan shen
Hepatitis C, Blood stagnation: + yu jin
Irregular menstruation, Qi deficiency: + dang shen
Irregular menstruation, Qi deficiency, alternative: + yan hu suo
Irregular menstruation, Kidney Yin deficiency: + shu di huang, + shan zhu yu, + nu zhen zi
Hepatitis C, Blood stagnation in Luo channels: + ze lan
Hepatitis C, Blood stagnation in Luo channels, alternative: + pei lan
Irregular menstruation, Kidney Yang deficiency: + ba ji tian, + yin yang huo, + rou cong rong
Irregular periods, Kidney Yin and Yang both deficient: + tu si zi
Irregular menstruation, Qi stagnation: + xiang fu, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Irregular menstruation, Blood deficiency: + gou qi zi, + he shou wu, + huang jing
Irregular menstruation, Blood Stasis: + dan shen, + ji xue teng
Premenstrual syndrome not responding to treatment: + xiang fu, + chen pi, + chuan lian zi
PMS with breast lumps: + hai zao, + zhe bei mu
PMS with irritability and breast lumps: + xia ku cao
PMS with irritability and breast lumps, alternative: + wang bu liu xing
Painful periods: Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency plus stagnant Liver Qi (use Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang in place of this formula)
PMS with marked Liver Blood deficiency and poor sleep: + he huan pi, + suan zao ren
Amenorrhea from Qi and Blood stagnation: + tao ren, + huai niu xi, + hong hua, + mu dan pi
PMS with Liver Blood deficiency and scanty periods (combined with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang)
PMS, Heat signs stronger: + mu dan pi, + zhi shi
Polycystic ovary syndrome: + tao ren, + hong hua, + mu dan pi, + huai niu xi
PMS with skin rashes: + mu dan pi, + zhi shi
PMS with skin rashes, alternative (combined with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang): + pao jiang, + chi shao, + chen pi, + tao ren, + hong hua, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Breast lumps: + xia ku cao, + yu jin, + ju he
Mastitis: + pu gong ying, + gua lou, + zi su geng
Mastitis, alternative: + qing pi, + gua lou, + yu jin, + chuan lian zi, + dan shen
Mastitis with Heat: + shi gao, + jin yin hua, + lian qiao
Mastitis, Stomach Yin deficient and hot: + zhi mu
Mastitis with Phlegm stagnating in the chest: + jie geng
Mastitis while breast feeding: + tong cao
Mastitis with blocked milk: + qing pi, + gua lou, + yu jin, + chuan lian zi, + dan shen, + chuan shan jia, + zao jiao ci, + lu lu tong
Mastitis where a weak constitution keeps pus from draining: + huang qi, + dang shen, + chuan xiong
Mastitis, very painful: + qing pi, + gua lou, + yu jin, + chuan lian zi, + dan shen, + lian qiao, + pu gong ying, + ju he
Mastitis with chills and fever: + qing pi, + gua lou, + yu jin, + chuan lian zi, + dan shen, + jin yin hua, + huang qin
Prevention of premature ovarian failure (combined with You Gui Wan)
Depression: + zi su geng, + yu jin
Combined with Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (indication not stated)
Irregular menstruation (second option): + yu jin, + chuan xiong, + xiang fu, + chuan lian zi, + fo shou, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Depression, Damp-Heat in Lower Jiao: + qu mai, + bian xu
Depression, Kidney Yin deficiency: + zhi mu, + huang bai
Depression, Heart Yin deficiency: + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi
Depression, Kidney Yang deficiency: + xian mao, + yin yang huo
Neurosis: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu
Neurosis, palpitations and insomnia: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + suan zao ren, + bai zi ren, + ye jiao teng
Neurosis, Liver Yang Rising: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + dai zhe shi, + jue ming zi, + di long
Neurosis, anorexia: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + sha ren, + shan zha tan, + shen qu
Neurosis with a tight, oppressed chest: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + gua lou, + xie bai, + fo shou
Neurosis with Kidney deficiency and low back pain: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + du zhong, + xu duan
Neurosis, Qi and Blood deficient: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + huang qi, + dang shen, + shu di huang
Neurosis, excess Phlegm: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + dan nan xing, + zhi ban xia, + chen pi
Neurosis with numb fingers: + yuan zhi, + shi chang pu, + di long, + gui zhi
Premenstrual syndrome: + xiang fu, + yu jin
Menstrual pain: + ye ju hua, + yan hu suo, + ba ji tian, + yi mu cao, + liu ji nu, + sheng di huang, + guan zhong, − sheng jiang
Menstrual pain, alternative: + gou teng, + mu dan pi, + qing pi
Early menstruation: + mu dan pi, + zhi zi
Late menstruation: + xiang fu, + dan shen, + san qi
Unpredictable menstruation: + dan shen, + yi mu cao
Hypermenorrhea: + pu huang (tan), + ze lan
Hypomenorrhea: + tao ren, + hong hua
Prolonged menstruation: + qian cao (tan), + hai piao xiao
Menopause syndrome: + yin yang huo, + xian mao, + ba ji tian, + gui zhi, + zhi mu, + huang bai, + da zao
Breast hyperplasia, swollen and painful before periods: + wang bu liu xing, + ji xue teng, + xiang fu, + gua lou, + chi shao
Breast hyperplasia, swollen and painful after periods: + xia ku cao, + tian men dong, + ju he, + zhe bei mu, + ru xiang, + mo yao
Breast adenoma: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li
Breast adenoma with Heat and Phlegm: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li, + zhe bei mu, + xia ku cao
Breast adenoma with restlessness and anger: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li, + zhi zi, + zhi mu
Breast adenoma with distended breasts: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li, + yan hu suo, + chuan lian zi
Breast adenoma with Qi deficiency: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li, + huang qi, + dang shen
Breast adenoma, Yin and Blood deficient: + san leng, + gua lou, + mu li, + shu di huang, + he shou wu
Difficult lactation: + tian hua fen, + si gua luo, + lou lu
Ovarian cyst: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi
Ovarian cyst with Heat: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + zhi zi, + sheng di huang
Ovarian cyst with Cold: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + rou gui, + pao jiang
Ovarian cyst, Qi-deficient type: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + huang qi, + dang shen
Ovarian cyst, Yin-deficient type: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + sheng di huang, + huang qin
Ovarian cyst with stagnant Qi and Blood: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + yu jin, + zhi ke
Ovarian cyst, Kidney-deficient type: + zao jiao ci, + chuan xiong, + wa leng zi, + shu di huang, + xu duan
Orchitis: + sheng ma, + huang qi, + chen pi, + ju pi, + li zhi he, + xia ku cao
Infertility: + yu jin, + xiang fu
Infertility, Kidney deficiency: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + fu pen zi, + tu si zi
Infertility, Blood stagnation: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + tao ren, + chuan niu xi, + yi mu cao
Infertility, Phlegm-Damp: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + zhi ban xia, + chen pi
Sexual dysfunction: + long gu, + mu li, + chuan shan jia
Sexual dysfunction, Damp-Heat: + long gu, + mu li, + chuan shan jia, + huang qin, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi
Sexual dysfunction, Phlegm-Damp accumulation: + long gu, + mu li, + chuan shan jia, + zhi ban xia, + chen pi, + bai jie zi
Sexual dysfunction, Yang deficiency: + long gu, + mu li, + chuan shan jia, + yin yang huo, + xian mao, + jiu cai zi
Sexual dysfunction, Yin deficiency (combined with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan): + long gu, + mu li, + chuan shan jia
Impotence: + tu si zi, + she chuang zi, + wu wei zi, + wu gong
Impotence with weak Ming Men Fire: + tu si zi, + she chuang zi, + wu wei zi, + wu gong, + ba ji tian, + yin yang huo, + rou cong rong
Impotence, Heart and Spleen deficient: + tu si zi, + she chuang zi, + wu wei zi, + wu gong, + ye jiao teng, + chao suan zao ren
Impotence after fear or fright has injured the Heart and Kidneys: + tu si zi, + she chuang zi, + wu wei zi, + wu gong, + sheng ma, + chao suan zao ren
Impotence from lower-burner Damp-Heat: + tu si zi, + she chuang zi, + wu wei zi, + wu gong, + che qian zi, + ze xie
Cholecystitis with flank pain spreading to the shoulder and back: + yu jin, + chuan lian zi, + qing pi, + zhi ke
Cholecystitis with fixed stabbing flank pain and a dark tongue: + hong hua, + dan shen
Cholecystitis with dry mouth and red tongue: + sha shen, + shi hu, + gou qi zi
Cholecystitis: feverish, nauseous, vomiting and constipated: + da huang, + mang xiao, + zhi shi, + zhi zi
Cholecystitis with gallstones: + jin qian cao, + hai jin sha
Anorexia: + chao mai ya, + ji nei jin
Irritable bowel syndrome, severe distention and pain: + zhi ke, + yan hu suo, + mu xiang
Irritable bowel syndrome, feeling of Cold in abdomen: + pao jiang, + rou gui
Irritable bowel syndrome, burning and pain in epigastrium and abdomen: + huang qin, + huang lian
Irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea: + bai bian dou, + sha ren, − dang gui
Hyperlipidemia: + shan zha
Stomach cancer: + zhi xiang fu, + mu xiang, + zhi ke, + hou po, + chen pi, + qing pi, + sha ren, + jiang xiang, + xuan fu hua, + qiu kui, + zhi ban xia, + mu gua, + chen xiang, + shen qu
Stomach cancer, vomiting: + zhi ban xia, + zhu ru, + qiu kui, + ding xiang
Stomach cancer, thirst: + shi hu, + huang jing, + tian hua fen, + mai men dong, + nan sha shen, + wu mei, + wu wei zi
Stomach cancer, pain: + mu xiang, + xiang fu, + mu bie zi, + bai qu cai
Stomach cancer, dry stools: + huo ma ren, + yu li ren, + da huang, + mang xiao, + gua lou, + rou cong rong, + yáng tí
Stomach cancer, hypersalivation: + zhi ban xia, + gan jiang, + fu shi
Stomach cancer, abdominal distention: + bing lang, + hou po, + zhi ke, + bing lang tan, + lai fu zi
Stomach cancer with blood in the stool: + xian he cao, + san qi, + huai hua mi, + zong lu pi (tan)
Stomach cancer, anemia: + ji xue teng, + e jiao, + dan shen, + jing tian san qi, + zi he che
Stomach cancer, loose stools: + zhi yi yi ren, + cang zhu, + er cha, + shan yao, + he zi
Stomach cancer with vomiting of blood (combined with Yunnan Bai Yao): + san qi, + xian he cao, + xue yu tan, + ou jie, + mo han lian
Polyuria: + pao jiang, + wu yao, − sheng jiang
Polyuria, lower abdomen very full and distended: + pao jiang, + wu yao, + mu xiang, + qing pi, − sheng jiang
Polyuria, Blood stagnation: + pao jiang, + wu yao, + hong hua, + chi shao, + chuan niu xi, − sheng jiang
Polyuria with enlarged prostate (two or three of these herbs): + pao jiang, + wu yao, + mu li, + zhe bei mu, + xuan shen, + chuan shan jia, + wa leng zi, + wang bu liu xing, − sheng jiang
HIV/AIDS with fever and chills: + xing ren, + lu jiao shuang, + jin yin hua, + lian qiao
Fibrocystic breast disease: + xia ku cao, + mu xiang
Breast cancer: + xiang fu, + yu jin, + qing pi, + chen pi, + gua lou, + xie bai, + chong lou, + xia ku cao, + bai hua she she cao, − fu ling, − bai zhu, − bo he, − sheng jiang, − zhi gan cao
Fibrocystic breasts from Chong and Ren disharmony (combined with Er Zhi Wan and Er Xian Tang)
Fibrocystic breasts from Chong and Ren disharmony, with hard lumps (combined with Er Zhi Wan and Er Xian Tang): + yu jin, + e zhu, + hai zao
Fibrocystic breasts from Chong and Ren disharmony, with nipple discharge (combined with Er Zhi Wan and Er Xian Tang): + mu dan pi, + zhi zi, + mo han lian
Tinnitus, PMS, TMJ syndrome or high blood pressure: + pao jiang, + man jing zi, + xiang fu, + shi chang pu, − sheng jiang
Tinnitus, PMS, TMJ syndrome or high blood pressure with Heat: + man jing zi, + xiang fu, + shi chang pu, + zhi zi, + mu dan pi
Cholecystitis or gallstones in remission: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Cholecystitis or gallstones in remission, with Damp-Heat: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + yin chen hao, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Cholecystitis or gallstones in remission, with Blood stagnation and fixed piercing rib pain: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + pu huang, + wu ling zhi, + jiang huang, + yan hu suo, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Cholecystitis in remission where stones are suspected: + yu jin, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + ji nei jin, + jin qian cao, + wei ling xian, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Hepatitis C, very tired from Qi deficiency: + huang qi
Hepatitis C, very tired from Qi deficiency, alternative: + huang qi, + dang shen
Hepatitis C, Phlegm-Damp: + zhi ban xia, + chen pi
Hepatitis C with worse Qi stagnation: + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + chuan lian zi
Hepatitis C, stagnant Liver turning to Heat: + zhi zi, + mu dan pi
Hepatitis C, Blood deficiency: + shu di huang, + he shou wu
Hepatitis C, Blood stagnation: + chuan xiong, + tao ren, + hong hua
Hepatitis C, cold hands and feet: + gui zhi
Anorexia, Heat: + zhi zi, + mu dan pi
Dysphagia: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Dysphagia, signs of Dryness: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, + mai men dong, + xuan shen, + tian hua fen, + feng mi, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang, − fu ling
Dysphagia with a full, uncomfortable chest: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, + gua lou, + chen pi, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Dysphagia with a Phlegm nodule pressing on the esophagus: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, + xuan shen, + mu li, + huang yao zi, + zhe bei mu, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Dysphagia, Blood stagnation: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, + tao ren, + hong hua, + chuan xiong, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Dysphagia, frequent belching: + ji xing zi, + xuan fu hua, + dai zhe shi, + zhu ru, + ba yue zha, + wei ling xian, + chen pi, + tan xiang, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Hyperlipoproteinemia: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha
Hyperlipoproteinemia, Damp accumulation: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + ze xie, + cang zhu
Hyperlipoproteinemia with marked Liver stagnation: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + yu jin
Hyperlipoproteinemia, stagnant Liver turning to Fire: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi
Hyperlipoproteinemia, Qi very deficient: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + huang jing, + ling zhi, + ren shen
Hyperlipoproteinemia, Blood very deficient: + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + he shou wu
Hyperlipoproteinemia, Blood very deficient (second option): + bai zhu, + gua lou, + shan zha, + dan shen, + san qi
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + chen pi, + kun bu, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, Heat (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + chen pi, + xuan shen, − bo he, − ren shen
Qi-Phlegm hypertension where lasting Heat has hurt Stomach fluids (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + chen pi, + kun bu, + mai men dong, + tian hua fen, − bo he, − ren shen
Qi-Phlegm hypertension with agitation and palpitations (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + chen pi, + kun bu, + long gu, + huang lian, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, insomnia (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + he huan pi, + ye jiao teng, + suan zao ren, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, fatigue (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + chen pi, + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + huang qi, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, increased appetite (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + shi gao, + zhi mu, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Qi-Phlegm hypertension, sweating and dislike of heat (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + chen pi, + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + zhi zi, + dan shen, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, loose stools (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + xia ku cao, + kun bu, + dang shen, + fu ling, + zhe bei mu, + chen pi, + bai zhu, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Qi-Phlegm hypertension with trembling hands or fingers (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + chen pi, + kun bu, + jiang can, + chan tui, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, severe goiter (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + huang yao zi, + san leng, + e zhu, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, Blood deficiency (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + dan shen, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, leukopenia (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + huang qi, + ji xue teng, + lu jiao jiao, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Qi-Phlegm hypertension with a blocked feeling in the throat (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + she gan, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypertension from Qi and Phlegm stagnation, severe Liver Qi stagnation (combined with Xiao Chai Hu Tang): + dang shen, + chen pi, + xia ku cao, + zhe bei mu, + kun bu, + qing pi, − huang qin, − bo he, − ren shen
Hypoglycemia: + dang shen, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Hypoglycemia, nausea: + dang shen, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + zhi ban xia, + chen pi, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Hypoglycemia, often hungry and thirsty: + dang shen, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + shi gao, + zhi mu, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Hypoglycemia with marked tiredness and weakness after meals, or spontaneous sweating: + dang shen, + xiang fu, + mu xiang, + huang qi, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Migraine: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, − chai hu
Migraine from stagnant Liver turning to Heat: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + xia ku cao, + ju hua, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi, − chai hu
Migraine with Blood stasis: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + dan shen, + tao ren, + hong hua, − chai hu
Migraine, tired, with clearer Spleen Qi deficiency: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + dang shen, + huang qi, − chai hu
Long-standing migraine that has entered the Luo vessels: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + quan xie, + wu gong, − chai hu
Migraine with clearer Blood deficiency: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + ji xue teng, + he shou wu, − chai hu
Migraine with Phlegm-Damp blockage: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + zhi tian nan xing, + bai jie zi, − chai hu
Migraine attacks with pain at the vertex, nausea, vomiting and icy limbs: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + wu zhu yu, + zhi ban xia, + chen pi, − chai hu
Migraine with low back pain around periods: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, − chai hu
Migraine with dizziness: + chao chai hu, + chuan xiong, + gou teng, + tian ma, − chai hu
Paralysis: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, − sheng jiang
Paralysis with marked emotional upset, poor sleep and many dreams: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, + ye jiao teng, − sheng jiang
Paralysis, severe Blood deficiency: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, + shu di huang, − sheng jiang
Paralysis, Liver Heat from stagnation: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi, − sheng jiang
Paralysis with marked Liver stagnation: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, + yu jin, + xiang fu, − sheng jiang
Paralysis, Spleen deficiency: + chen pi, + fu xiao mai, + suan zao ren, + mu gua, + huai niu xi, + dang shen, − sheng jiang
Peptic ulcer with stabbing Stomach pain from Blood stagnation (combined with Zuo Jin Wan): + dan shen, + chi shao
Peptic ulcer, severe acid regurgitation (combined with Zuo Jin Wan): + hai piao xiao, + wa leng zi
Peptic ulcer with rib pain or severe pain (combined with Zuo Jin Wan): + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo
Peptic ulcer, thirst (combined with Zuo Jin Wan): + tian hua fen, + lu gen
Peptic ulcer, constipation (combined with Zuo Jin Wan): + da huang
Shoulder pain: + sang zhi, + xiang fu, − bai zhu, − fu ling, − sheng jiang
Sharp shoulder pain: + sang zhi, + xiang fu, + yan hu suo, + yu jin, − bai zhu, − fu ling, − sheng jiang
Shoulder pain, migraine: + sang zhi, + xiang fu, + wu yao, + ju he, − bai zhu, − fu ling, − sheng jiang
Shoulder pain, irregular menstruation: + sang zhi, + xiang fu, + wu yao, + huai niu xi, − bai zhu, − fu ling, − sheng jiang
Piriformis syndrome: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + bai zhu, − bo he
Piriformis syndrome, marked fatigue: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + bai zhu, + huang qi, + dang shen, − bo he
Piriformis syndrome, Stagnant Heat: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + bai zhu, + zhi zi, + mu dan pi, − bo he
Piriformis syndrome, Damp-Heat: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + bai zhu, + huang qin, + huang lian, + gan jiang, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Piriformis syndrome, cold hands and feet: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + bai zhu, + gui zhi, − bo he
Piriformis syndrome, constipation: + ji xue teng, + huai niu xi, + du zhong, + da huang, − bo he
Low back pain: + qing pi, + chuan lian zi, + yu jin, + wang bu liu xing, + wa leng zi, − bai zhu, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome, severe headache: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + quan xie, + jiang can, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome, very dizzy and heavy-headed: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + yu jin, + shi chang pu, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome with unstable mood, bitter taste, agitation and irritability: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + huang lian, + dan zhu ye, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome, clearly Qi deficient: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + huang qi, + dang shen, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome, clearly Yin and Blood deficient: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + shu di huang, + he shou wu, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Post-concussion syndrome, hands and feet very cold: + pei lan, + chi shao, + hong hua, + tao ren, + pao jiang, + gui zhi, − bai shao, − sheng jiang
Liver cancer, Heat: + chen pi, + huang qin, + huang lian, + shen qu, + ban lan gen, + xia ku cao, + bai hua she she cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Abdominal pain during pregnancy: + zi su geng, + chen pi
Pain of the upper and middle back: + ren shen, + huang qi, + he huan hua, + suan zao ren, + ge gen, + qin jiao
Neck pain: + ge gen, + yan hu suo
Neck pain, headache: + ge gen, + yan hu suo, + chuan xiong, + qiang huo
Neck pain and emotional instability: + ge gen, + yan hu suo, + xiang fu, + yu jin
Neck pain, insomnia: + ge gen, + yan hu suo, + dan shen, + huang lian
Neck pain, irritability: + ge gen, + yan hu suo, + huang qin, + zhi zi
Irregular menstruation (third option): + e zhu, + chuan xiong, + xiang fu, + chuan lian zi, + fo shou, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Breasts distended before periods (one or two of these herbs): + qing pi, + chen pi, + fo shou, + ju ye, + ju he, + lu lu tong
Premenstrual breast distention, severe pain: + ru xiang, + mo yao, + yan hu suo
Premenstrual breast distention, painful breast lumps: + wang bu liu xing, + wa leng zi
Premenstrual breast distention, breasts much enlarged: + qīng mù xiāng
Breasts swollen and sore before periods: + huang lian, + wu zhu yu
Breasts swollen and sore before periods, with stabbing Stomach pain: + huang lian, + wu zhu yu, + dan shen, + chi shao
Breasts swollen and sore before periods, with marked sour regurgitation: + huang lian, + wu zhu yu, + hai piao xiao, + wa leng zi
Premenstrual syndrome (second option): + chuan lian zi, + yu jin, + qing pi, + gua lou, − zhi gan cao
Breasts swollen and sore before periods, with flank pain: + huang lian, + wu zhu yu, + chuan lian zi, + yan hu suo
PMS: feverish, headache, mouth dry and bitter: + chuan lian zi, + yu jin, + qing pi, + gua lou, + mu dan pi, + zhi zi, + chuan xiong, − zhi gan cao, − sheng jiang
Premenstrual syndrome (third option): + chuan lian zi, + yu jin, + qing pi, + gua lou, + ze xie, + che qian zi, − zhi gan cao
Cervical cancer: + xiang fu, + chuan lian zi, + mu xiang, + he shou wu, + xia ku cao, + mu dan pi, + ban zhi lian, + bai hua she she cao, − zhi gan cao, − bo he
Viral hepatitis without jaundice, Spleen Qi deficient: + dang shen, + qing pi, + dan shen, + shan yao, + shan zha, + shen qu, − bo he
Lupus, chest and flank painful: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, + chi shao, + dan shen, + jiang xiang, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Lupus, chest and flank painful, alternative: + xiang fu, + wu yao, + bai hua she she cao
Lupus erythematosus: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Lupus with poor appetite: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, + shan zha, + shen qu, + mai ya, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Lupus, abdominal pain plus diarrhea: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, + mu xiang, + ge gen, + he zi, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Lupus, nauseous and vomiting: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, + zhi ban xia, + zhu ru, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Lupus with jaundice: + dang shen, + hou po, + chen pi, + yin chen hao, + zhi zi, + da huang, − zhi gan cao, − bo he, − sheng jiang
TMJ syndrome: + bai shao, + gan cao, + chuan xiong, + qiang huo
Ulcerative colitis, Spleen Qi clearly deficient: + fang feng, + dang shen, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis: + fang feng, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, stagnant Liver Qi turning to Heat: + fang feng, + huang qin, + zhi zi, + mu dan pi, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, Blood stagnation: + fang feng, + chi shao, + yan hu suo, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, marked Blood deficiency: + fang feng, + huang qi, + ji xue teng, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis where lasting Heat has hurt Stomach fluids: + fang feng, + mai men dong, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, tenesmus: + fang feng, + mu xiang, + bing lang, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, Damp-Heat stasis type: + fang feng, + bai jiang cao, + hong teng, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, Damp-Heat: + fang feng, + huang qin, + huang lian, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis with anger, low mood, poor sleep and tension: + fang feng, + ye jiao teng, + he huan pi, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, cold limbs: + fang feng, + gui zhi, + gan jiang, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, anxiety and poor memory: + fang feng, + fu shen, + bai zi ren, + suan zao ren, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis: sweating at night, pale lips and nails, angry and tense: + fang feng, + suan zao ren, + fu shen, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Ulcerative colitis, mind clouded as Phlegm and Blood stasis block the Heart orifices: + fang feng, + yu jin, + shi chang pu, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Greenish discharge from Damp-Heat with stagnant Liver Qi: + chen pi, + yin chen hao, − dang gui, − bai zhu, − bo he, − sheng jiang
Headache: + chuan xiong, + huang qin
Severe headache: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + yan hu suo, + bai zhi
Headache, hypochondriac pain: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + yu jin, + ju he
Headache, irregular menstruation: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + huai niu xi, + yi mu cao
Headache, depression: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + xiang fu
Headache, insomnia: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + long gu
Headache, poor appetite: + chuan xiong, + huang qin, + mai ya, + yu jin
Sore throat: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, − sheng jiang
Sore throat, headache or dizziness: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, + chuan xiong, + qiang huo, − sheng jiang
Sore throat, poor mood: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, + xiang fu, + yu jin, − sheng jiang
Plum-pit Qi with sore throat: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, + zhi ban xia, + hou po, − sheng jiang
Sore throat, irritability: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, + huang lian, + gou teng, − sheng jiang
Sore throat, poor appetite: + zi su ye, + yan hu suo, + yu jin, + mai ya, − sheng jiang

Cautions

pregnancy Use with caution in pregnancy, and under a qualified practitioner, as it contains Dang Gui

caution Qi stagnation on a base of Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency, marked Yin deficiency, or rising Liver Yang (strong headache, dizziness, bounding pulse), since Chai Hu and Bo He disperse and lift

contraindication Stagnation that has already turned into clear Heat or Fire (red tongue, marked irritability, thirst, strongly bitter taste); the plain formula has no Heat-clearing herb

contraindication Blood stasis with sharp, fixed, stabbing pain, or pure Liver Qi stagnation with no Blood deficiency or Spleen weakness

caution Taking it for long periods needs a qualified practitioner overseeing it

Pinyin

xiao yao san

English Name

Rambling Powder

xiao yao san

About xiao yao san

Ingredients

Actions and indications

Spreads Liver Qi

Nourishes the Blood

Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Liver and Spleen

Modern uses

Symptoms

Modifications

Cautions

Preparation

Names

Classification

Support