Xiao Yao San逍遥散
Rambling Powder (Tangkuei & Bupleurum Formula)
Ingredients6 herbs
Indications
Liver constraint with blood deficiency and Spleen weakness: constrained Liver qi loses its free coursing while deficient blood fails to nourish the Liver body, and the weakened Spleen cannot generate qi and blood. Commonly considered for pattern-conforming presentations in premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstruation, perimenopausal complaints, stress-related digestive dysfunction, and constraint-type mood disorders — always on the pattern, not the disease name.
Clinical Manifestations
- Hypochondriac or flank pain with mood constraint
- Irregular menstruation, distending breast pain
- Fatigue and reduced appetite with stress
- Headache and dizziness of the constraint pattern
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Constraint transforming into heat — add Mu Dan Pi 牡丹皮, Zhi Zi 栀子 — Jia Wei Xiao Yao San 加味逍遥散 (also stocked in the Cura dispensary)
- Pronounced blood deficiency — add Shu Di Huang 熟地黄 — Hei Xiao Yao San 黑逍遥散
- Marked qi stagnation with distension — add Xiang Fu 香附, Chen Pi 陈皮
Contraindications
Not appropriate as-is for Liver–Kidney yin deficiency with ascendant yang (dizziness with tinnitus, flushed face, red tongue with scanty coating) — such presentations call for modification or a different strategy.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Generally compatible — practitioner judgment applies
Related Formulas
References
Source Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang 《太平惠民和剂局方》 · Song dynasty
「治血虚劳倦，五心烦热，肢体疼痛，头目昏重，心忪颊赤，口燥咽干，发热盗汗，减食嗜卧，及血热相搏，月水不调，脐腹胀痛，寒热如疟。」
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang《太平惠民和剂局方》(classical source).
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.