ChinaMed Stress Relief 1 Formula was first recorded in the 'Summary of Internal Medicine' (nei ke zhai yao), edited by Wen Sheng, mid 19th century. It is a variant of Xiao Yao San (a.k.a. STRESS RELIEF 2 Formula CM130) which was recorded some eight centuries previously.

This STRESS RELIEF Formula (CM113) has additional ingredients that clear stagnant Heat and thus provides a stronger clinical action to calm the mind and emotions, induce relaxation and promote sleep.

It is commonly used for a broad range of disorders that are either caused or worsened by stress and emotional strain. It may also be used for conditions that affect menstruation, the bowels and the breasts. Although it's clinical actions are similar to STRESS RELIEF 2 Formula (CM130), the distinguishing clinical features include insomnia, marked irritability, a slightly rapid pulse and some degree of redness of the face, eyes, and/or tongue.

TCM ACTIONS
Soothes the Liver, nourishes the Liver Blood, tonifies the Spleen Qi, clears stagnant Heat.

TCM SYNDROMES

• Liver Qi constraint with stagnant Heat (or Fire)
• Spleen Qi deficiency

INDICATIONS
Stress-related disorders, irritability, depressed mood, menstrual disorders, mastitis, mammary dysplasia (fibrocystic breast disease), bruxism, Crohn's disease.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)

• Irritability, emotional volatility
• Sense of tightness or oppressive sensation in the chest, the need to make an effort to take a deep breath, sighing
• Tightness of the shoulders and lower thoracic paraspinal muscles
• One or more of: headache, sleep disturbance, red eyes, sensations of heat
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Menstrual irregularities
• Premenstrual tension
• Tongue may be red or have red tip and/or edges
• Pulse is wiry and may also be rapid