Xiao Yao Wan Lozenge

Xiao Yao Wan is one of the most widely used formulas in East Asian herbal medicine. Its name means "free and easy wanderer." It is traditionally used to support a calm, balanced mood during stressful times, comfortable digestion, and ease through the monthly cycle.* Each two-lozenge serving delivers 1.6 grams of concentrated herbal granules, equal to about 8 grams of raw herbs.

A classic formula for modern stress

Xiao Yao was first recorded in China's Song-dynasty imperial formulary nearly 900 years ago. It has been a mainstay of East Asian medicine ever since. You may see it called Xiao Yao San (a powder), Xiao Yao Wan (a pill), or Xiao Yao Tang (a tea). These are the same formula in different forms. We made it into a lozenge so it's easy to carry and easy to take on a busy day.

The name comes from the Daoist ideal of moving through life with ease. That is the feeling the formula is traditionally meant to restore when stress leaves you wound up and worn out.

Traditional uses

In traditional East Asian medicine, Xiao Yao Wan is used to:

• Support a calm, balanced mood during occasional stress*
• Support comfort and emotional balance before and during your period, including occasional irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness*
• Support healthy digestion and appetite when stress settles in the stomach*
• Support steady energy when you feel worn down*
• Support comfort and emotional balance through the transition to menopause*
• Support restful sleep during stressful stretches*

In East Asian medicine terms, Xiao Yao addresses a pattern called "Liver qi stagnation with Spleen and blood deficiency." In everyday language, that's the combination of feeling wound up and worn out at the same time. People with this pattern often notice tension or tightness under the ribs, frequent sighing, low appetite, fatigue, and moods or PMS that get worse with stress. It is a gentle, balanced formula. If you tend to run hot, feel very irritable, or aren't sure it fits you, ask your practitioner. A cooler variation may suit you better.

Who it's for

• Adults who feel both stressed and depleted, with tension that shows up in mood, digestion, or sleep.
• People who notice PMS-type discomfort, such as irritability, bloating, or breast tenderness before their period.
• People in perimenopause looking for support with mood and comfort.

The herbs

Chai Hu (bupleurum root). The lead herb. It is traditionally used to relieve constrained Liver qi, the East Asian medicine picture of stress held in the body.

Bai Shao (white peony root). Traditionally used to nourish blood and soften the Liver. It pairs with Chai Hu to relax without depleting.

Dang Gui (angelica root). A classic herb for nourishing and moving blood, long used for comfort through the menstrual cycle.

Bai Zhu (dry-fried white atractylodes rhizome). Traditionally used to strengthen digestion and support energy.

Fu Ling (poria). A gentle, mild herb that supports digestion and a settled mind.

Gan Cao (honey-prepared licorice root). Harmonizes the formula and supports digestion.

Bo He (mint). A small amount lifts the formula and helps the Liver qi move freely.

How to take it

Let 2 lozenges dissolve slowly in your mouth, 3 times per day, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed 6 lozenges per day. Two lozenges provide 1.6 grams of concentrated granules (about 8 grams of raw herbs).

Ingredients

Herbal formula: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, dry-fried), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba). All herbs are concentrated 5:1 granules.

Other ingredients: Isomalt, distilled water.

Cautions

• If you're pregnant, use this product only under the care of a practitioner. Talk with your practitioner before using it while breastfeeding.
• If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet medication, or have a bleeding disorder, talk with your healthcare provider before use. Dang Gui may increase bleeding risk.
• This product contains licorice root. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or low potassium, or you take diuretics, digoxin, or corticosteroids, talk with your healthcare provider before use.
• If you have a hormone-sensitive condition, talk with your healthcare provider before use.
• Children should use this product only under the care of a practitioner.
• Contains isomalt, a sugar alcohol. Eating a large number of lozenges may have a laxative effect.
• If you have an unexpected reaction, stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider.
• Keep out of reach of children.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.