• Integrative Veterinary Products Xiao Yao San veterinarian-compounded Chinese herbal formula

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Xiao Yao San

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Integrative Veterinary Products Xiao Yao San is a veterinarian-compounded traditional Chinese herbal formula based on the classical prescription. It is traditionally used to harmonise digestion, behaviour and circulation in animals showing tension, irritability or fluctuating symptoms associated with constrained circulation and mild underlying deficiency.

Gentle, balanced and widely used for centuries, it remains one of the most important harmonising formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In veterinary practice, it is particularly useful in animals whose digestive, behavioural or inflammatory signs fluctuate with stress, frustration or environmental change.

This formula is commonly selected in animals that appear reactive, sensitive or easily destabilised, particularly where digestion, circulation and resilience seem mildly weakened underneath.

Unlike strongly moving or strongly tonifying formulas, Xiao Yao San works gradually to restore balance and smooth regulation, making it particularly suitable for long-term use in appropriate patients.

 

In Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal formulas can only be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine is most effective when the formula is selected for the individual animal. An in-person assessment with an integrative veterinarian is ideal, but telehealth can provide access when this is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access Integrative Veterinary Products practitioner-dispensed herbal formulas, you can book a 15–30 minute phone or video consultation with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete a form providing background information about your animal and their health concerns.

Consultation: $80
If herbal treatment is recommended, you will receive a $40 credit towards your first herbal order.

These formulas require practitioner dispensing under current regulatory guidelines.

How it Works

Xiao Yao San is a classical harmonising formula traditionally used when emotional tension, constrained circulation and digestive weakness begin influencing one another.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for maintaining the smooth movement of Qi, circulation and emotional regulation, while the Spleen supports digestion, nourishment and fluid transformation. When Liver Qi becomes constrained through stress, frustration or chronic tension, digestion may become disrupted. Over time, poor nourishment from weakened digestion may further reduce the body’s ability to regulate stress and maintain smooth circulation.

This creates a cycle where animals become increasingly reactive, sensitive or symptomatically unstable.

Unlike strongly moving formulas, Xiao Yao San regulates circulation gently while simultaneously supporting digestion and nourishment underneath. Unlike stronger tonics, it avoids heavily enriching or trapping stagnation.

Clinically, this formula is commonly used in:

  • stress-associated digestive upset
  • fluctuating appetite or intermittent vomiting
  • behavioural reactivity associated with digestive instability
  • mild inflammatory flare-ups linked to stress or environmental change
  • tension-related gastrointestinal signs
  • mild chronic inflammatory patterns associated with constraint and weakened resilience

Gentle, balanced and widely used for centuries, Xiao Yao San remains one of the most important harmonising formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is particularly well suited to long-term use in appropriately matched patients.

This formula is generally less appropriate where:

  • acute inflammatory Heat predominates
  • strong Damp-Heat or toxic inflammation are present
  • severe collapse or profound deficiency dominate the presentation.
Ingredients

White peony root,

Bupleurum root,

Dang Gui root,

White atractylodes rhizome,

Poria,

Chinese mint herb,

Chinese licorice root and rhizome.
Dosing

Dogs up to 5 kg Give ¼ of a teaspoon twice daily

5-10 kg Give ½ a teaspoon twice daily

10-15 kg Give ¾ of a teaspoon twice daily

15-20 kg Give 1 teaspoon twice daily

20-30 kg Give 1 ½ teaspoons twice daily

30-40 kg Give 2 teaspoons twice daily

It is advised to start on a lower dose and work up to the full dose over a week or so to check it is a good fit for your dog. The above dosing guidelines can be adjusted. For animals that have had benefit from the herbs, a lower dose may be required to maintain or wean off the formula. Conversely, animals may be given more frequent or higher doses when the effect is required more quickly and the formula choice is certain.

Ways to get herbs into pets.
Most dogs with a good appetite will simply eat herbal mixtures in their food. If animals have a weak appetite or are otherwise picky with their choices there area few other ways to entice them.
Mix herbs with a small amount of a high value treat – eg mince, sardines, cheese.
Mix herbs into a bone broth and pour over food.
If owners are still having trouble, gelatin food capsules can be bought inexpensively and herbs put into them. Owners then need to give the capsule either directly into the mouth or again, mixed in food.

Shipping

We currently ship only to Australia. Contact us if you are in NZ and interested in getting our products.  (Not Canada or USA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are digestion and emotional tension linked in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver helps maintain smooth circulation and regulation, while the Spleen supports digestion and nourishment.

When circulation and emotional regulation become constrained, digestion may become unstable. Over time, weakened digestion may further reduce resilience and the ability to regulate stress smoothly.
Can Xiao Yao San help anxious or emotionally reactive animals?

Yes. Xiao Yao San is commonly used in animals where emotional tension, frustration or environmental stress contribute to digestive upset, behavioural instability or fluctuating inflammatory signs.

Rather than heavily sedating the patient, the formula works more gradually to improve regulation, resilience and smooth circulation over time.
Can this formula be used long term?

Yes. Xiao Yao San has been used for centuries and is considered one of the gentlest and safest classical harmonising formulas when appropriately matched to the patient.

It is commonly used long term in animals requiring ongoing support for digestive, behavioural or stress-associated instability.
Can Xiao Yao San be used alongside conventional medications?

Yes. In integrative veterinary practice, Xiao Yao San is commonly used alongside conventional gastrointestinal, behavioural and dermatological therapies depending on the individual condition.