Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF)
Specifically for PTSD
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Why it works for PTSD:
Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF) is a modified granulated form of the classic formula Xiao-Yao-San (with additions from Er-Chen-Tang) that was tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in survivors of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake with PTSD and produced statistically significant improvements in general psychological status (measures of depression, anxiety, some obsessive symptoms and hostility) compared with placebo. The main clinical evidence is the Meng et al. randomized trial (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012). Wiley Online Library
Derived from known antidepressant/anxiolytic formulae. XTJYF is a modification of Xiao-Yao-San (XYS) — a widely used TCM formula with multiple clinical and preclinical studies showing antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, HPA-axis, neuroinflammation, BDNF and synaptic plasticity). These mechanistic findings provide biological plausibility for improvement in PTSD-related mood/anxiety symptoms. Frontiers
Multi-component, multi-target action. XTJYF combines herbs that are classically used to soothe “liver qi,” resolve phlegm, and harmonize the spleen — actions that in modern pharmacology translate into multiple active constituents acting on neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and stress-response systems (so the hypothesised benefit for PTSD is via combined psychotropic + anti-stress + neuroprotective effects). Network pharmacology and animal studies of related formulas back this concept. BioMed Central
Clinical signal in a disaster-related PTSD population. The randomized clinical trial in Sichuan earthquake survivors found XTJYF produced greater improvement than placebo on broad psychological symptom scales (SCL-90 and subscales). This is direct clinical evidence that the formula can reduce the cluster of symptoms that commonly accompany PTSD (depression, anxiety, obsessive/hostility domains). Wiley Online Library
How to use for PTSD:
The best source for protocol/dosing is the randomized trial (Meng et al., 2012). Key practical details from that trial:
- Formulation: XTJYF as a granulated/prepared herbal package (a modified Xiao-Yao-San with additions from Er-Chen-Tang). (The paper lists the component herbs and amounts in Table 1 of the article.) Wiley Online Library
- Dose used in the RCT: 12 grams of the active (verum) herb package dissolved in warm water, twice daily. DeepDyve
- Duration in the RCT: 8 weeks. Outcomes were measured baseline → end-point (8 weeks). Wiley Online Library
- Population: Survivors diagnosed with PTSD after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake (outpatient settings). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design (about 245 participants total). Europe PMC
If you’re considering clinical use outside the trial: follow these principles — use a standardized, quality-assured product, follow the trial dose and duration if replicating the RCT conditions (12 g twice daily × 8 weeks) and treat under the supervision of a qualified TCM practitioner or physician, especially when patients are on conventional psychotropic drugs. (The trial itself used prepared granules and placebo packs to mask taste/appearance.) Wiley Online Library
Link to the RCT (read the methods and Table 1 for exact ingredients and amounts): Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Meng et al., 2012. Wiley Online Library
Scientific Evidence for PTSD:
Primary randomized controlled trial
- Meng X-Z et al., A Chinese herbal formula to improve general psychological status in posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled trial on Sichuan earthquake survivors. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM), 2012. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled; N≈245; XTJYF vs placebo; significant improvements on SCL-90 global indices and certain symptom domains. (This is the central clinical trial evidence.) Wiley Online Library
Reviews / contextual evidence
- Reviews of Chinese herbal medicine for stress/mental health and disaster responses cite XTJYF as one of the herbal interventions studied after large disasters (systematic/narrative reviews summarizing the RCT evidence). See reviews on TCM interventions for PTSD/disaster mental health. World Scientific
Preclinical / mechanistic studies (support biological plausibility)
- Animal and in-vitro studies of Xiao-Yao-San and related proprietary formulas show antidepressant-like effects via modulation of monoamines, HPA-axis, neuroinflammation and neurotrophic factors (BDNF). These studies support why a modified XYS formula (XTJYF) could work in PTSD (which often involves dysregulated stress response and mood circuitry). Representative mechanistic work and integrative pharmacology analyses: Frontiers / PLOS / Phytomedicine and other journals on XYS and Jie Yu type formulas. Frontiers
Where to read the RCT (open/full text):
- eCAM article (Meng et al., 2012) — main RCT. (See Table 1 in the paper for herbs and exact ingredient amounts, and the Methods section for blinding, randomization and safety monitoring.) Wiley Online Library
Specific Warnings for PTSD:
a. What the trial observed
- The Meng et al. RCT reported no serious adverse events and considered the preparation generally safe in that study population; however clinical trials have inclusion/exclusion rules and short follow-up, so absence of serious events in one RCT is not proof of universal safety. Always interpret safety data cautiously. Wiley Online Library
b. Herb-specific risks & interactions
- Bupleurum (Chai Hu) — a major herb in XYS and related formulas — has been associated in some reports with idiosyncratic liver injury and in other contexts is used as a hepatoprotective herb; the literature is mixed (both protective and rare hepatotoxicity reports). If a formula contains Bupleurum or other hepatically active herbs, monitor liver function when used long term or in patients with liver disease. WebMD
- Herb–drug interactions: TCM formulas can interact with conventional medications (e.g., altering cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, platelet function, or serotonergic drugs). Important to be cautious when combining XTJYF with antidepressants, MAOIs, benzodiazepines, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or other drugs with narrow therapeutic windows. Consult an integrative clinician or pharmacist if combining with prescription psychotropics. A review of herb–drug interactions is informative here. ScienceDirect
c. Product quality & regulation
- Herbal products vary in concentration, contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides), and adulteration. The RCT used prepared, quality-controlled granules; over-the-counter or online products may not match the trial formulation. Use reputable manufacturers and products with third-party testing where possible. Wiley Online Library
d. Contraindications / special populations
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Most TCM formulas have limited safety data in pregnancy — avoid unless a qualified clinician advises otherwise.
- Severe liver disease, severe kidney disease, or on multiple interacting medications: require caution and monitoring.
- Allergies: to any component herb. (Check Table 1 in the RCT to identify component herbs.) Wiley Online Library
e. Clinical monitoring recommended
- Baseline and periodic LFTs (liver function tests) if there is any concern (history of liver disease, concurrent hepatotoxic drugs, or prolonged use).
- Monitor for new symptoms (GI upset, rash, jaundice, increased anxiety or insomnia) and stop and seek medical care if concerning signs appear. WebMD
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (消痰解郁方; “Resolve-Phlegm & Disperse Constraint Formula”) is a classical Chinese herbal prescription typically composed of herbs that transform phlegm, regulate qi, and alleviate emotional constraint (yu). It is most commonly used in patients whose emotional stress or mood disturbance produces somatic symptoms such as chest oppression, throat blockage (“plum-pit qi”), dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue.
It belongs to the category of formulas treating phlegm-qi stagnation with constraint of the Liver system — a mind–body stress phenotype recognized in TCM.
How It Works (Mechanistic Rationale)
From TCM physiology
Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang addresses a pattern in which:
- Emotional stress constrains the Liver, impairing qi movement
- Qi constraint impairs fluids, producing congealed “phlegm”
- Phlegm and stagnation obstruct the chest/throat, aggravating mood and somatic symptoms in a feedback loop
The formula mobilizes qi, transforms phlegm, and relieves constraint, thereby releasing the loop of stress ⇄ somatic entrapment.
From a biomedical mechanistic lens (observational/experimental correlates)
- Many constituent herbs in XTJYF show anxiolytic, antidepressant-like, neuromodulatory actions in preclinical models
- Qi-regulating and phlegm-transforming herbs alter vagal tone, gut motility, and inflammatory signaling, which plausibly links mind and viscera
- Some components show neuroimmune and neuroendocrine regulation (HPA-axis modulation, cytokine modulation), consistent with relief of stress-linked somatic syndromes
These are mechanistic correlates — not proof — but they align with XTJYF’s clinical intent.
Why It’s Important
XTJYF is clinically important because it targets a patterned mind–body pathophysiology frequently seen in chronic stress populations, especially where mood disturbance manifests somatically. It is used when talk-therapy alone does not relieve body symptoms, and when physical treatments miss the emotional driver.
It occupies a therapeutic niche between:
- pure psychotherapeutic models that ignore the body
- pure somatic models that ignore stress physiology
- pharmacology, which may not be indicated or tolerated for mild to moderate mood-somatic states
Thus, XTJYF is valued for integrating psychogenic and somatic dimensions in a single intervention logic.
Considerations (Safety, Fit, and Use-Context)
- Pattern accuracy is critical: XTJYF is not a “general mood formula”; it is indicated only when phlegm + qi constraint features are present (e.g. chest/throat oppression, sighing, sticky mind–body heaviness). Using it in the wrong pattern can worsen symptoms.
- Interaction with Western medication: Herbs that regulate qi and phlegm can affect gut motility, absorption, and sedation profiles; interaction checks with CNS meds (SSRIs, benzos, anticonvulsants) are prudent.
- Onset & expectation: Its clinical effect is typically gradual, aligning with modification of autonomic tone and somatic entrapment rather than acute sedation.
- Pregnancy & constitutional factors: Some qi-moving herbs are used cautiously in pregnancy or in patients with marked deficiency states, as “moving and dispersing” can aggravate depletion.
- Not a substitute for red-flag work-up: If symptoms (e.g. chest pain, weight loss, dysphagia, suicidality) raise suspicion for organic pathology or crisis-level psychiatric disease, biomedical evaluation precedes formula use.
Helps with these conditions
Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF) is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
PTSD
Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF) is a modified granulated form of the classic formula Xiao-Yao-San (with additions from Er-Chen-Tang) that was tested in a...
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