Xiao Yao San
Star逍遥散 (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder)
Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) is the most widely used formula for Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency and Blood deficiency. When the Liver's free-flowing function is impaired through emotional stress or overwork, Qi becomes stagnant and the Spleen is invaded. The formula simultaneously spreads Liver Qi, nourishes Blood, strengthens Spleen, and harmonizes the middle burner.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chai Hu | 9g | 15% | Jun (Chief) | Spreads Liver Qi, resolves depression, harmonizes Liver and Gallbladder. |
| Dang Gui | 9g | 15% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Liver Blood, harmonizes Blood, regulates menstruation. |
| Bai Shao | 9g | 15% | Chen (Deputy) | Nourishes Blood, softens Liver, relieves pain. |
| Bai Zhu | 9g | 15% | Zuo (Assistant) | Tonifies Spleen Qi, prevents Liver invading Spleen. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 15% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains dampness, calms spirit, supports Spleen. |
| Sheng Jiang | 9g | 15% | Zuo (Assistant) | Warms middle, harmonizes Stomach. |
| Gan Cao | 6g | 10% | Zuo (Assistant) | Tonifies Qi, harmonizes all herbs. |
| Bo He | g | — | Zuo (Assistant) | — |
Total weight: 69g
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net neutral (+0.15)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 30%, neutral 25%, warm 45%.
Pairs warm and cool. 45% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 30% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 30%
- sweet 33%
- sour 8%
- bitter 23%
- bland 8%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 85%
- Liver 45%
- Lung 40%
- Stomach 40%
- Heart 40%
- Kidney 15%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Bo He.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Originally as powder; now commonly taken as decoction, pills, or granules. Decoct in water 25 minutes if making decoction.
Dosage
Powder/granules: 6–9g 2–3x/day. Decoction: 1 dose/day. Widely used long-term for chronic Liver Qi stagnation.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Formula family
A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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