Why Free and Easy Wanderer (and Daily Harmony) Is the Best Herbal Formula for Stress, Mood, Hormone Balance & Gut Health

Free & Easy Wanderer (also known as Xiao Yao San) has been one of the most trusted formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over a thousand years. Now, modern science is catching up—confirming its benefits across mood, digestion, hormone balance, and stress resilience.

Daily Harmony: Elix’s Modern Version of Free and Easy Wanderer 

That’s why Elix created Daily Harmony, a modern, elevated version of Free & Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San), to help you feel calm, clear, and more like yourself—especially when life feels overwhelming. 

Proven Benefits of Free and Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San)

Xiao Yao San or Free and Easy Wanderer is one of the most researched herbal formulas, with plenty of data backing up its wide-ranging benefits. 

1. Boosts Mood and Eases Depression

A meta-analysis of more than 40 clinical studies show that Xiao Yao San and its variations ease symptoms of mild to moderate depression—often with fewer side effects than conventional medications. It's frequently used alone or alongside antidepressants to enhance results and reduce emotional heaviness.

2. Reduces Anxiety Naturally

In a 2023 meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials, Xiao Yao San was shown to be effective in reducing anxiety—both as a standalone remedy and when combined with conventional anti-anxiety meds. Patients had better outcomes and fewer side effects than with medication alone.

3. Protects the Brain from Stress

Chronic stress can damage the blood-brain barrier (BBB)—a vital structure that keeps toxins out of the brain. Xiao Yao San helps prevent and repair this damage, which strengthens the BBB.

4. Supports Digestion and Gut-Brain Health

A 2022 meta-analysis of 4,400+ participants found that Xiao Yao San is highly effective for functional gastrointestinal disorders (like IBS, bloating, and indigestion). It outperformed conventional medicine in reducing symptoms and improving emotional wellbeing—especially when gut issues are stress-related.

5. Eases PMS and Hormonal Shifts

Xiao Yao San and its modified form, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (JWXYS), are among the most prescribed formulas in Taiwan for PMS, thanks to their success in treating mood swings, cramps, breast tenderness, and digestive discomfort tied to hormonal cycles.

6. Improves Sleep and Emotional Recovery

Used in both modern and classical TCM practice, Xiao Yao San helps relieve insomnia tied to anxiety or hormonal fluctuations. A 2021 meta-analysis found that it not only improves sleep but does so with fewer adverse effects than standard medications.

Why Choose Daily Harmony by Elix?

Daily Harmony is Elix’s modern take on Free & Easy Wanderer/Xiao Yao San— enhanced with additional herbs and adaptogens to support today’s stressors. It can also be used by everyone in the family - kids, men, and women. It's especially helpful for:

• Emotional burnout, low mood, and mood swings
• PMS, hormone shifts, perimenopause, and menopause 
• Brain fog, low energy, and poor sleep
• Gut-mood imbalances (think IBS + anxiety)

Feel Calm, Clear & Balanced—Naturally

Thousands of years of use. Hundreds of clinical studies. One easy way to support your hormones, mood, digestion, and overall wellness. 
 

Try Daily Harmony Today

Sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31326751/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37905203/  
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31445133/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8811448/ 
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4099402/ 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34713840/

This article was reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Fine.

Dr. Elizabeth Fine is currently the Dean of Clinical Education at Emperor’s College, the #2 ranked colleges for TCM. She has been practicing Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for over 20 years, with a specialization in women’s reproductive health.