One of the more commonly used Oriental Herb applications that has long been used in China is generally called in the West, “Free and Easy Wanderer” (FAEW), also known as “Xiao Yao San” by its Chinese name. The herb has a long history of being used to lessen the effects of anxiety, irritability, stress, headaches and depression due to daily life. And the formula is helpful for women suffering from female issues such as heat signs such as in red face, hot flashes or night sweats as well as premenstrual disorder (PMS). The same herb is useful to anyone suffering from Parkinson’s disease whether male or female.
What about PTSD Anxiety and Depression: Veterans and Non Veterans
FAEW’s effectiveness is cited in the National Library of Medicine (NIH) for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which also cited that the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in adults is 7.8%, with women having a higher risk than men (20.4% vs. 8.2%) and noted the disorder affects compromised combat veterans up to 18%. Presently the prescription drugs, Sertraline (Zoloft®) and paroxetine (Paxil®) are the only two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of PTSD and Alternative medicine approaches are urgently needed as an alternative to the prescription side effects. Research studies have shown that this traditional Chinese herb to be beneficial in the treatment of PTSD specifically addressing the areas of anxiety and depression. Studies continue to be conducted in FAEW treatment as the cellular and molecular modes of correction are still not well understood. Unfortunately, hundreds of years of Chinese medical applications and related efficacy are only now receiving Western medical attention.
Thinking of FAEW as a Treatment Option?
As with many options for holistic healing, FAEW continues to have a growing interest as a non-prescriptive treatment providing quality of life options based on personal choice. As a Naturopathic physician, caution is urged and it is recommended that you consult an Oriental Medicine professional before considering the FAEW option to restore health. They can provide Physical grade “Free and Easy Wanderer” and other supplements that are far superior in purity, safety and efficacy than “off the shelf” options and monitor your holistic progress.
For more information, contact Dr. Aaron Bardwell ND, DC, MSOM, who is Board trained in Oriental Medicine.