Exploring Free & Easy Wanderer, Ⅲ
Over the years, the Xiao Yao formulation has been duplicated in many forms from many different patent manufacturing brands. Over the centuries, Chinese Herbalists have utilized this classic combination, augmenting and making necessary changes to cater to the specific needs of their customers. The Plum Flower Brand formulation is called Free and Easy Wanderer. There is a second option, Free and Easy Wanderer Plus which has two additional Chinese Herbs (a classic modification). Our Heaven & Earth CMHC version of Xiao Yao Wan is called Free, Easy and Relaxing-Harmonize Liver and Spleen Formula with numerous added Chinese Herbs especially for clearing heat and assisting your Gallbladder Organ System function.
What makes these formulas different? Why would you want one over the other? Please see the chart below for an analysis of the Chinese Herbal Formula contents:
| Traditional Xiao Yao Wan/Tang Formula | Traditional Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan/Tang Formulation | Plum Flower Free & Easy Wanderer Teapills | Plum Flower Free & Easy Wanderer Plus Teapills | Heaven & Earth Free, Easy & Relaxing (Available as Tea, Powder or Capsules) | |
| Chai hu (Bupleurum root) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Bai shao (White Peony root) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Chi shao (Red peony root) | X | ||||
| Dang gui (Angelica root) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Bai zhu (Atractylodes rhizome) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Fu ling (Poria fungus) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Sheng jiang (Fresh ginger root) | X | X | X | X | |
| Da Zao (Jujube Fruit) | X | ||||
| Chen Pi (Citrus Peel) | X | ||||
| Gan cao (Licorice root) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Bo he (Mint leaf) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Mu dan pi (Moutan Root Bark) | X | X | X | ||
| Zhi zi (Gardenia Fruit) | X | X | X | ||
| Huang Qin (Skullcap root) | X | ||||
| Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Flower) | X |
As you can see, these different Chinese Herbal Formulas have a common base, differentiated by slight variations. The Plus version of the Plum Flower Brand of Free and Easy Wanderer add two additional Chinese Herbs. These two, specific herbs are a classic addition for the purpose of balancing a very commonly known effect of Liver Chi Congestion—which can translate to Liver Heat. Liver Chi Congestion, especially if it has existed in your body for more than a couple of weeks, often creates friction, which then creates heat. The element of Heat often manifests as irritation, restlessness, and inflammation.