Calm™

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Overview

Calm is a traditional Chinese herbal formula based on the classic formula Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder), traditionally used to help support ease during stress, temporary emotional tension, irritability, and cyclical comfort. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this pattern is traditionally associated with Liver qi stagnation, which is said to affect the Spleen and Stomach. Calm is designed to help spread Liver qi, nourish Liver blood, and harmonize the middle jiao.

⚠️ Important: This formula is a complement to, not a substitute for, medical care. See the Safety & Contraindications section below for full precautions before use.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Calm is traditionally used to help support:

• Stress, occasional emotional tension, restlessness, and situational worry
• General stress-related discomfort, such as poor appetite, tension, and disturbed sleep
• Cyclical comfort with breast distension, irritability, or mood swings

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver is considered especially sensitive to emotional stress, and ongoing stress is traditionally associated with Liver qi stagnation. Anyone with ongoing or severe stress, anxiety, or mood symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Chai Hu (Bupleurum): traditionally used to help disperse stagnant Liver qi and support a sense of calm.

— Bai Shao (White Peony) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): traditionally used together to nourish blood and soften the Liver.

— Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) and Fu Ling (Poria): traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach.

— Bo He (Mint) and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger): traditionally used to help disperse Liver qi stagnation.

— Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Prepared Licorice): a traditional harmonizing herb that supports the digestive system.

— Zhi Zi (Gardenia) and Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark): traditionally used together to help clear heat and ease irritability.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Prolonged use (4–6 months) may lead to qi deficiency in some individuals — pair with a qi tonic formula for ongoing use.
2. Contains Dang Gui — those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy such as warfarin should use with caution or avoid this formula.
3. Anyone with ongoing or severe stress, anxiety, or mood symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider; this formula is a complementary support and not a substitute for that care.

Dosage & Directions

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May be increased to 6–8 capsules three times daily for a few days during acute stress, then reduced back to 3–4 capsules three times daily once stabilized.

Supplementary formulas: For severe stress or anger, this formula is traditionally paired with Calm (ES). For stress with insomnia and underlying deficiency, it is traditionally paired with Calm ZZZ. For PMS with cramping, it is traditionally paired with Mense-Ease.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: A diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins is traditionally encouraged, as these can be depleted during stress. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and soy products are traditionally encouraged. Sugars, fermented foods, and highly processed foods are traditionally reduced. For PMS, warming foods such as ginger, fennel, and cinnamon are traditionally encouraged the week before onset.

Lifestyle: Regular exercise, adequate rest, and consistent sleep patterns are traditionally encouraged to help reduce stress. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and gentle movement practices such as tai chi are traditionally encouraged as calming practices.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual. All patients remained under appropriate medical or practitioner supervision.

"A woman with insomnia, irritability, and neck and shoulder tension, consistent with Liver qi stagnation, took Calm and reported being able to relax and sleep more easily, with looser shoulders."

"A woman going through menopause with hot flashes, irritability, and disrupted sleep, consistent with yin deficiency with Liver qi stagnation, combined Calm with a supplementary formula and reported her hot flashes easing along with better sleep."

"A woman with PMS-related cramping and moodiness, consistent with Liver qi and blood stagnation, combined Calm with a supplementary formula and reported less pain and less moodiness after one cycle."

"A man dealing with work-related stress and irritability, consistent with Liver qi stagnation, took Calm and reported feeling calmer with less frequent irritability."

Related Reading

Also see: Calm (ES) – for more severe stress, Mense-Ease – for PMS cramping, and the Relaxation, Emotional Grounding & Traditional Sleep Harmony Collection for related formulas.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.