Xiao Yao Wan is an ancient Chinese patent medicine with a history of more than 1,000 years.
In the early days, the output of Chinese herbs was not high. In order to control the consumption of Chinese herbs, people ground Chinese herbs into powder.[1]
Formulation
While Xiao Yao Wan formulations vary, the herbs most often combined in Xiao Yao San are:
Studies on Xiao Yao San are limited to animal studies. Nevertheless, XYS has been shown to improve stress[2][3][4] and reduce depression.[2][5]
Traditional Medicine
Xiao Yao San (XYS) has been used for centuries by practitioners of Chinese Traditional Medicine. Practitioners of TCM believe XYS works by clearing liver stagnation to improve the flow of qi (energy). Stagnant liver qi is said to affect the blood and contribute to stress, mood swings, pain, irritability, constipation, abdominal pain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and irregular menstrual periods.[6]
^ abBao, L; Chen, J; Huang, L; Chen, W; Lin, Q; Yao, XS; Hiroshi, K (September 2008). "逍遥丸对小鼠行为绝望和应激性抑郁的影响" [Effects of Xiaoyao Wan on the behavioral despair and stress depression mice]. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials (in Chinese). 31 (9): 1360–4. doi:10.13863/j.issn1001-4454.2008.09.027. PMID19180959.