Who should not take Xiaoyao Pills?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Xiaoyao Pills are slightly warming in nature and primarily used for soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation. Individuals with yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire often exhibit symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, and heat in the palms and soles. Taking Xiaoyao Pills may exacerbate internal heat symptoms and cause physical discomfort; therefore, they are not recommended for such individuals. Additionally, Xiaoyao Pills contain blood-activating components that may affect fetal stability. Great caution should be exercised when using medication during pregnancy to avoid adverse effects on maternal and fetal health.
In general, individuals who should avoid taking Xiaoyao Pills include those with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, pregnant women, those with heavy menstrual bleeding, those suffering from cold or fever, and those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat: Xiaoyao Pills are slightly warming in nature and primarily used to soothe the liver, strengthen the spleen, nourish blood, and regulate menstruation. Those with yin deficiency and internal heat often experience symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth and throat, and hot palms and soles. Taking Xiaoyao Pills may exacerbate internal heat and lead to physical discomfort; therefore, they should not take this medicine.
2. Pregnant women: Xiaoyao Pills contain ingredients that promote blood circulation, which may affect fetal stability and increase the risk of miscarriage. Medication use during pregnancy requires special caution. To prevent adverse effects on maternal and fetal health, pregnant women are prohibited from taking Xiaoyao Pills.
3. Individuals with heavy menstrual bleeding: Although Xiaoyao Pills can help regulate menstruation, they are intended for conditions such as light menstrual flow or dysmenorrhea caused by liver qi stagnation and blood deficiency. For those already experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, taking the pills may further increase blood loss, potentially leading to anemia and other issues; hence, it is unsuitable for them.
4. Individuals with cold or fever: During a cold or fever, the body is under attack by external pathogenic factors. Taking tonic or regulating medicines like Xiaoyao Pills at this time may cause pathogens to remain trapped in the body, impair recovery from the cold, and even worsen symptoms such as fever and cough. Therefore, use should be suspended until recovery.
5. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold: Some ingredients in Xiaoyao Pills may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold often suffer from abdominal pain, diarrhea, and poor appetite. Taking the pills may aggravate gastrointestinal discomfort and hinder recovery of digestive function. Such individuals should either avoid taking the medicine or use it cautiously under medical supervision.
If any adverse reactions such as rash, diarrhea, nausea, or other discomforts occur during medication, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention. The medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
