Herbs are amazing. As an herbalist, I have seen an array of ailments resolved after being treated only with herbs, including skin conditions, digestive complains, muscle aches and pains, headaches, fertility issues, and insomnia, just to name a few.
For today, let’s focus on Xiao Yao San (also known as Free and Easy Wanderer). It is one of the most common formulas prescribed for people with anxiety and digestive issues. But the applications for this formula are wide-ranging: abdominal distention or bloating, irritability, PMS, breast tenderness, fibrocystic breasts, food allergies, poor appetite, constipation, depression, dizziness, emotional instability, fatigue, headaches, hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, insufficient lactation, menstrual pain and irregularity, fatigue after menstruation, mood swings, palpitations, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and unintended weight loss, among others.
Ingredients in this formula are bupleurum root, dong quai root, white Chinese peony, white atracylodes rhizome, poria, honey-fried Chinese licorice root, dried ginger, and Chinese mint.
As both an herbalist and a practitioner of Oriental medicine, I looking at the tongue and check the pulse of each of my patients. This helps guide me to the best formula plan. Xiao Yao San is best if the tongue body is pale and slightly reddened on the sides and when the pulse quality is wiry, thin, and rapid.
Do you have questions about herbs or what formula could be right for you?
Come see us at Element!
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.