Categories: Single Herbal Formulas

Xiao Yao San – soothe Liver Qi, strengthen Spleen, nourish blood

Xiao Yao San – tai ping hui min he ji ju fang (powder dosages)

Chai Hu (radix burpleuri)…30g [soothe Liver Qi]

Dang Gui (radix angelicae sinensis)…30g [nourish Blood, aromatically affects the Qi of the Blood]

Bai Shao (radix paeoniae lactiflorae)…30g [nourish Blood]

Bai Zhu (rhizome atractylodis macrocephalae)…30g [strengthen Spleen]

Fu Ling (sclerotium poriae cocos)…30g [strengthen Spleen]

Zhi Gan Cao (honey fried radix glycyrrhizae uralensis)…15g [harmonizes mid Jiao]

*taken in 6-9g doses in a draft made from 6g roasted ginger (wei jiang) and 3g of peppermint (bo he). The ginger helps stop the Stomach Qi from rebelling, and the Bo He helps Chai Hu to soothe the Liver Qi.

Indications: Liver Qi stagnation with Blood deficiency causing hypochondriac pain, headache, vertigo, PMS, painful breasts, bitter taste in mouth, dry mouth and throat, T- pale purple, P- wiry thin. When the Liver is stagnated, it overacts on the Spleen causing a deficiency which in turn worsens the Blood deficiency. This shows as poor appetite, fatigue, bloating.

Commonly used for gynecological disorders showing stagnation, Blood deficiency, and Spleen deficiency.

To strengthen the Blood nourishing action of this formula, substitute Sheng Di Huang (15g) for Bai Zhu (Hei Xiao Yao San).

Must Read: Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang – nourishes Yin, clears Lungs, detoxifies

Lorna McFadden, DCH

I have been a certified dental assistant for the past 16 years. Over that time I have been interested in many of the healing arts. In 1993, I became a reflexologist and continued to study other forms of alternative health. My passion for Homeopathy began when I was treated by a homeopath in 1998. I really resonated with the philosophy and treatment of homeopathy. Only after a few consultations I knew I had to become involved and help heal others. With restored health and a great deal of energy, I am driven to study this wonderful healing art. I have successfully completed the first milestone in my homeopathic career by graduating from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy. I hope to write my Certification of Classical Homeopathy in the next few years. I am a member of the West Coast Homeopathic Society and regularly attend study sessions to stay updated and educated. I also attend local trade shows and educate the public on Homeopathy. I am recently married and reside in Langley with two cats and a golden retriever named Montana. My animals are wonderful homeopathic patients.