• Xiao Yao San

By Integrative Veterinary Products

Xiao Yao San

POA
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Xiao Yao San is a classical 11th century formula 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.

 

Currently in Australia, certain traditional Chinese herbal blends are only allowed to be dispensed by a registered veterinarian.

As with all Traditional Chinese Herbal blends, the best results are likely to occur when prescribed by an integrative veterinarian who can examine your animal in person. Telehealth consultations however, can be used when access to an appropriate veterinarian is difficult or not possible.

If you would like to access the Integrative Veterinary Products Herbal blends, please book an appointment to access a telehealth (phone or video) appointment with Dr Tanya Meares BVSc.

Before the appointment, you will be asked to submit a form with background information about your animal and their health issues.

The cost of the 15-30 minute telehealth appointment is $80 but you will receive a discount of $40 on your first order of any an herbal blend in the shop (if any are suggested).

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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