The “deputy” herbs within an herbal formula either support the actions of the chief herb, or address a secondary energetic imbalance. When the Liver energy gets stuck (as frequently happens with stress), symptoms of tension and stagnation arise – these include a feeling of muscle tension (particularly in the neck and shoulders), headaches, jaw pain, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps, and feeling irritable or overwhelmed. The Liver energy is primarily tasked with ensuring that all blood and energy is moving as it should throughout the body. Chai Hu circulates the Liver (Wood) energy within the body.

In this formula, the chief herb is Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root). The “chief” herb within a formula addresses the primary energetic imbalance within the body. Rather, each of these energetic systems has a certain kind of energy that is in charge of certain specific physiological functions within the body. These symptoms are named after organs (ie, we talk about the Heart energy system, and the Liver energy system), but don’t refer to the actual organ in the body. These layers of imbalance are understood to correspond to different energetic systems. Within a traditional herbal formula, there is a set structure that the herbs operate within, to address different layers of imbalance within the body.

How can it address all these symptoms?Ĭhinese Herbs are taken in a formula, with anywhere from 2 to 20 herbs working together. Depending on the patient’s presentation, it can be a useful therapy for a wide variety of symptoms, including feelings of stress, tight neck and shoulders, bloating, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, menstrual cramps, irregular periods, headaches, migraines, vertigo, blurry vision, and mental restlessness. Xiao Yao San – or, “Free and Easy Wanderer” is probably the most commonly prescribed Chinese Herbal Remedy in the United States. This post is copied from our older, original blog.

Free and easy wanderer