Xiao Yao Wan 120 tablets

About Xiao Yao Wan

Xiao Yao Wan is a Pine Mountain product that has been specifically designed to help clear liver stagnation and improve liver Qi. This contributes to the reduction of mood swings, stress, abdominal pain, constipation, and irritability. The irregular flow of Qi can also affect the blood, which is why Xiao Yao Wan is a herbal blend used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help treat irregular menstrual periods and premenstrual syndrome symptoms for centuries.

How Xiao Yao Wan Works

Also referred to as Xiao Yao San, Relaxed Wanderer, and Free and Easy Wanderer, Xiao Yao Wan is a formula of several different herbs, including bupleurum, white peony, tangkuei, poria, fresh ginger, licorice, and mint. These herbs are known for their therapeutic effects on several health issues, such as depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also contribute to the normalization of blood-related conditions, including irregular menstrual cycles.

Xiao Yao Wan Health Benefits

In Eastern medicine, the Xiao Yao Wan herbal blend has been used to help treat the following health conditions for many centuries. In Western medicine, more research is probably needed before the herbal formula can be recommended for these health concerns.

1. Depression

The formula is believed to help improve the metabolism of amino acids and change the microflora of the gut. It is also found to have a positive effect on depression, according to randomized clinical trials involving more than 1,800 individuals with depression. The study concluded that Xiao Yao Wan could improve the effectiveness of antidepressants. Nevertheless, the study did not manage to evidence any noticeable improvement in depression when Xiao Yao Wan was taken alone. More rigorous trials are on the way, though, researching Xiao Yao Wan’s effectiveness, in this case.

2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Xiao Yao Wan can reduce anxiety behaviors, says a 2009 study. It is believed that a natural hormone called neurosteroid allopregnanolone (it is derived from progesterone) is linked with the development of PTSD. In fact, it is found that the particular hormone is a key player in the onset of PTSD. Xiao Yao Wan showed a significant increase in allopregnanolone levels in the brain and reduced anxiety behaviors in stress-induced rats. This beneficial impact on PTSD is believed to be related to isoliquiritin and paeoniflorin, two Xiao Yao Wan anti-inflammatory compounds that are found to relieve depression while also influencing the PTSD-associated neurobiological pathways. A common PTSD treatment, called fluoxetine (in the antidepressant Prozac), uses similar pathways as the Xiao Yan Wan to counteract oxidative stress in PTSD.

3. Stress

Cortisol, the stress hormone, affects the neurons in the hippocampus, the operation center of the brain responsible for the regulation of mood, memory, and concentration. Although more research is needed, the findings are very promising so far.

4. Indigestion

??Traditionally, Xiao Yao Wan is used to relieve chronic indigestion and soothe a “sour” stomach. The herbal blend can lessen stomach discomfort and also combat belching, bloating, and nausea linked to indigestion. Indeed, the herbal preparation is shown to work just as well as the medications used to improve motility, such as metoclopramide (Reglan) and domperidone (Motilium), which are also referred to as prokinetic drugs. Recent studies have even suggested that Xiao Yao Wan is more effective than these medications.

Xiao Yao Wan Ingredients

• Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
• Dang Gui (Shen) (Tangkuei)
• Bai Shao (White Peony)
• Bai Zhu (Atractylodes (Alba)
• Fu Ling (Poria)
• Gan Cao (Licorice)
• Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger)
• Bo He (Mint)

Xiao Yao Wan Side Effects

Xiao Yao Wan could potentially cause the following side effects. However, it should be noted that the product is generally regarded as a non-toxic and safe herbal formula. The side effects mentioned below are being reported from individual herbs in the blend and include:

Licorice root – Cramps, lactation in non-lactating women, dizziness, high blood pressure, edema, headache, weakness, and numbness.

Dong Quai – Stomach discomfort

Poria – Low blood sugar

Contraindications

Every single herb in the formula is considered safe. Nevertheless, some contraindications apply to some compounds when taken at specific doses. Individuals with the conditions mentioned below should speak with their physician before taking Xiao Yao Wan:

• Cardiovascular disease – Poria and licorice root are NOT recommended for people with heart disease. The first ingredient has a diuretic effect, while the second increases blood pressure.

• Diabetes – Poria is believed to lower blood sugar levels, just like insulin does. Hence, it can cause low blood sugar in people with diabetes.

• Kidney disease – Poria and licorice are also not recommended for individuals with kidney disease.

Important note: Licorice can lower potassium levels and increase blood pressure when taken long-term. For that reason, people over 65 should not take Xiao Yan Wan as it can potentially lead to muscle and heart problems.

NEVER take any supplement without consulting your healthcare professional first.

About the Manufacturer

Pine Mountain is a manufacturer of top-tier formulas – versions of popular patent remedies used in Traditional Chinese Medicine – developed by the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Oregon. The company provides healthcare practitioners and patients alike authentic, pure, and effective formulas to help treat common health concerns.

Some of the best-selling Pine Mountain products are sleep and relaxation-promoting Dan Shen Pian, cognition-enhancing Bu Nao Wan, immune-strengthening Bi Yan Pian, vision-improving Ming Mu Di Huang Wan, and blood-nourishing Sheng Fa Wan.

Prop65: California Proposition 65. WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.