XIAO YAO SAN

Formulas that Regulate Qi and Strengthen the Spleen (Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency

The formula harmonizes the Liver and Spleen, nourishes blood, and restores the smooth movement of Liver qi, addressing both emotional and digestive disturbances.

Symptoms 

Persistent cough and wheezing, especially worsening in the late afternoon

Fever or a sensation of heat, with skin that feels warm to the touch

Dry mouth with little or difficult-to-expectorate sputum

Red tongue with a yellow coating

Thin, rapid pulse

Steaming or tidal-type heat sensations later in the day

Ingredients

Chai Hu（Bupleuri Radix）
Raw Herbs 9g    Granulates 14.1g

Dang Gui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Raw Herbs 9g    Granulates 14.1g

Sheng Bai Zhu（Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) 
Raw Herbs 9g    Granulates 14.1g

Sheng Jiang ( Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 
Raw Herbs 5g    Granulates 7.8g

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix alba) 
Raw Herbs 9g    Granulates 14.1g

Fu Ling (Poria)
Raw Herbs 9g    Granulates 13.9g 

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)
Raw Herbs 6g    Granulates 9.4g 

Bo He ( Herba Menthae)
Raw Herbs 8g    Granulates 12.5g

Description 

This formula is designed to spread and regulate Liver Qi while nourishing Blood and supporting the Spleen, making it appropriate for patterns where Liver constraint is accompanied by underlying Qi and Blood deficiency.

The chief herb, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), gently disperses constrained Liver Qi and helps relieve internal tension. Its outward-moving and slightly cooling nature makes it particularly effective when constraint is accompanied by mild heat. Chai Hu also guides the actions of the formula to the Liver system.

To protect and nourish the Liver while Qi is being moved, Dang Gui (Angelicae sinensis Radix) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix alba) are included. Together, they replenish and harmonize the Blood, soften the Liver, and help prevent the dispersing herbs from damaging Liver Yin. Dang Gui supports the Qi aspect of the Blood, while Bai Shao nourishes Yin, moderates Liver Yang, and alleviates tension or discomfort.

Recognizing the close relationship between the Liver and Spleen, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Fu Ling (Poria) strengthen the Spleen’s transforming and transporting functions. This support helps prevent the Liver from overacting on digestion and assists in the production of Qi and Blood, addressing the root of deficiency.

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata) further supports the Spleen and harmonizes the actions of the formula. In combination with Bai Shao, it also helps moderate spasms and tension associated with Liver constraint.

Small amounts of Wei Jiang (baked Zingiberis Rhizoma recens) harmonize the Stomach and help prevent rebellious Qi, while Bo He (Menthae haplocalycis Herba) gently enhances the dispersing action of Chai Hu and assists in clearing the heat associated with Liver Qi constraint.

Together, these herbs create a balanced formula that moves without dispersing excessively, nourishes without cloying, and supports harmony between the Liver and Spleen.

Posology

Granules 
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water

Raw Plants
Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day

Contraindications

Because Chai Hu actively disperses Liver Qi and vents heat, this formula is not appropriate for purely deficient conditions without signs of stagnation or constraint.

Use with caution in individuals with significant Qi, Yin, or Blood deficiency where dispersing actions may further weaken the system.

While this formula is well suited for patterns of Liver Qi constraint—particularly those linked to emotional or stress-related disharmony—it may not be appropriate when symptoms arise from causes outside of Liver–Spleen imbalance.

Professional guidance is recommended for long-term use or complex presentations.