Xiao Yao Wan (逍遥丸, Free & Easy Pill)is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been used for more than 900 years. It has effects to treat many disorders, such as anxiety, irritability, stress, depression, chest distention and hot flush, if these symptoms are caused by the stagnated liver Qi or liver heat.

Xiao Yao Wan contains eight herbs:

- Bupleurum root (柴胡)
- Peony root (芍药)
- Dang gui (Dong quai, 当归)
- White atractylodes rhizome (白术)
- Tuckahoe mushroom (茯苓)
- Fresh ginger (生姜)
- Liquorice root (甘草)
- Mint (薄荷)

According to tradition Chinese medicine (TCM), when the liver Qi is stagnated, it leads to feelings of anger, irritability, anxiety, stress, depression, chest pain, etc. To treat these disorders, it is important to release the stagnated Qi and ensure smooth flow of Qi throughout all the body.

In the formula, bupleurum and mint spread the live Qi, promote the free flow of the Qi, relieve emotional constraint and soften depression. Dang gui and peony root nourish liver blood, reduce the blood deficiency, help cleanse liver heat. Licorice, ginger, white atractylodes rhizome and tuckahoe mushroom are used to promote spleen Qi, aid digestion and increase formula absorption. The formula cools down heat sensation, clears the internal heat, tonifies liver blood, reduces feelings of stress by releasing tension in the chest. It is primarily used to soothe the liver, invigorate the spleen, nourish the blood and regulate the Qi. TCM often uses it to treat women’s disorders, such as or PMS, irregular menstruation, breast pain, anxiety, depression, caused by liver Qi stagnation.

Please note, do not use it if you are pregnant or if you experience heavy bleeding during menstruation. Consult your doctor or a TCM doctor before taking this herbal medicine.

For more information about natural remedies for anxiety, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/anxiety/

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