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Real Relief for Chronic Pain
Evil Bone Water (跌打酒 diédǎiǔ / dit da jow — literally “Hit Wine”) is one of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s most powerful topical liniments for pain. Originally developed in martial arts practice to speed recovery from bruises, strains, and injuries, this formula has been refined over centuries into a clinical-grade tool for managing chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.
At Crawford Wellness, we recommend it regularly for patients navigating long-term pain patterns where conventional options have fallen short.
Ordering multiple bottles? Use code EBWCW at checkout and save!
Who Evil Bone Water Is For
This formula is especially effective for those living with:
- Fibromyalgia — widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points
- Arthritis — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid joint inflammation
- Neuropathy — nerve pain, burning, and tingling (excellent added to a Tibetan Foot Soak)
- Tendinopathy & repetitive strain — tendon inflammation and overuse injuries
- Chronic low back and neck pain
- Post-injury recovery — sprains, bruising, and soft tissue trauma
- Pre-exercise warm-up — applied before activity to improve circulation in stiff or vulnerable areas
- Insect bites — a spritz quickly relieves itch and inflammation
How It Works
Evil Bone Water works through deep topical penetration — the high-proof grain alcohol base carries the herbal actives through the skin and into the tissue almost immediately. You’ll feel warmth and increased circulation within minutes. In TCM terms, it moves blood, dispels wind-damp, breaks stagnation, and alleviates pain — addressing the root patterns behind chronic pain rather than simply numbing the surface.
Kung Fu schools once guarded formulas like this as closely held secrets. When mass production arrived in the 20th century, quality dropped and the most potent herbs were quietly removed. Saint Apothecary restored the original standards — sourcing the highest-grade empirical herbs and bringing this formula back to its full clinical strength.
Topical Pain Relief Products Review
See how Evil Bone Water compares to other topical pain relief products in this independent review:
Ingredients & Their Healing Actions
- Tian-Qi / San-Qi Ginseng (Yunnan province) — stops bleeding, reduces swelling, dissolves clots, alleviates pain. One of TCM’s premier herbs for trauma and chronic inflammation.
- Gui-Pi / Cinnamon Bark (30-year-old trees, Guanzhong mountains) — warms the channels, improves circulation, dispels cold-damp pain patterns.
- Zhang Nao / Camphor (wild-sourced, Southeast Asia) — FDA-approved for topical pain relief. Heating or cooling depending on friction. Expels wind-damp, moves blood, reduces swelling.
- Bo He Nao / Menthol (natural crystal form) — cools and vents, clears the head, relieves stagnation and surface tension.
- Hu Zhang / Japanese Knotweed (turmeric family) — moves blood, dispels dampness, clears heat, removes toxins. Potent anti-inflammatory.
- E Zhu / Zedoaria (ginger-turmeric family) — breaks blood stasis, dissolves accumulations, promotes movement to relieve pain.
- Bai Zhi / Angelica Dahuricae — one of TCM’s top herbs for pain. Expels wind, reduces swelling, alleviates discharge and dampness.
- Ji Gu Xiang / Croton — rare herb; supports circulation and tissue healing.
- Qian Jin Ba / Flemingia Root — dispels damp, warms the channels, removes obstruction to relieve pain.
- Bai Nui Dan / Elecampane (wild-crafted, Tibetan mountains — sustainably sourced) — extremely rare; provides antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties. Nearly impossible to source in the U.S.
- High-quality grain alcohol (190 proof) — the carrier that drives herbal actives deep into tissue.
- Water (UV sterilized, carbon filtered, ionized to negative charge)
See Evil Bone Water in Action
⚠️ For external use only. Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, have open wounds, or are managing a complex chronic condition.
Chronic Pain Relief Patches
Ao Yi Pain Relief Patches
Ao Yi Pain Relief Patches (pronounced "Ow-weeee") are rooted in the centuries-old healing traditions of the Gui Zhou Miao people of China — a minority culture renowned for their sophisticated botanical medicine. These reusable herbal patches deliver concentrated plant medicine directly through the skin, targeting pain at its source or through major acupuncture points along the body’s meridian channels.
At Crawford Wellness, we recommend Ao Yi patches as a powerful, drug-free tool for patients managing chronic pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, arthritis, and complex chronic illness — conditions where systemic inflammation and stagnation are at the root.
Who Ao Yi Patches Are For
These patches are especially effective for those living with:
- Fibromyalgia — widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points
- Peripheral neuropathy — nerve pain, burning, and tingling
- Arthritis & joint inflammation — osteoarthritis and rheumatoid patterns
- Chronic low back, neck, and shoulder pain
- Tendinopathy & repetitive strain injuries
- Post-surgical pain — including systemic pain relief via acupuncture points (see testimonial below)
- Autoimmune-related pain — inflammation and joint involvement
- Muscle soreness and tension from chronic fatigue or overexertion
Why Ao Yi Patches Work
Unlike conventional pain patches that rely on a single synthetic compound, Ao Yi patches contain 19 synergistic herbal ingredients that work together to move blood, dispel wind-damp, break stagnation, and strengthen the underlying tissues — addressing the root patterns of chronic pain rather than just numbing the surface.
Applied directly to a painful area or to key acupuncture points, these patches can produce both local and systemic effects — a unique advantage of TCM-based topical therapy.
Key Benefits
- Fast-acting relief — soothing effects felt within minutes of application
- Reusable & long-lasting — each patch provides up to 30 hours of total use (4 hours per session)
- All-natural ingredients — no synthetic chemicals, safe and gentle on skin
- Dual application — use directly on pain sites or on acupuncture points for systemic effect
- Portable & convenient — use at home, work, or while traveling
- Affordable — 10 reusable patches for just $39
Real World Results
“After surgery, swallowing was unbearable. Morphine barely helped. But two patches on KI1 did more for my pain than any drug. By Day 2, I used these exclusively. They work systemically, far beyond local application.”
KI1 (Yongquan) — the sole of the foot — is one of the most powerful acupuncture points for drawing excess energy downward and producing systemic pain relief.
See It in Action
How to Use
- Remove the colorful sticky backing and the inner peel from the herb paste.
- Apply the patch directly to the area of pain or to major acupuncture points on associated channels.
- Leave on for up to 4 hours at a time.
- Reuse the same patch as needed for a total of up to 30 hours.
Ingredients & TCM Functions
| Latin Name | Pinyin Name | TCM Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma | Bai Qian | Resolves phlegm, relieves cough, redirects rebellious Qi downward. |
| Lycopodii Herba | She Cao | Clears heat, detoxifies, reduces swelling. |
| Bauhinia Championii | Jin Qiao Jiu | Dispels wind-dampness, activates blood circulation, alleviates pain. |
| Sargentodoxa Cuneata | Hong Teng | Invigorates blood, reduces swelling, relieves pain. |
| Draconis Sanguis | Xue Jie | Stops bleeding, promotes healing, invigorates blood circulation. |
| Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma | San Qi | Stops bleeding, reduces swelling, alleviates pain. |
| Dipsaci Radix | Xu Duan | Tonifies liver and kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones. |
| Eucommiae Cortex | Du Zhong | Tonifies liver and kidneys, strengthens bones. |
| Borneolum Syntheticum | Bing Pian | Opens orifices, awakens the spirit, clears heat. |
| Phryma Leptostachya | Xia Ku Cao | Clears liver fire, dissipates nodules, lowers blood pressure. |
| Zingiberis Rhizoma | Gan Jiang | Warms the middle, expels cold, restores Yang. |
| Carthami Flos | Hong Hua | Invigorates blood, dispels stasis, alleviates pain. |
| Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix | Niu Xi | Invigorates blood, strengthens sinews and bones, guides downward. |
| Spatholobi Caulis | Ji Xue Teng | Invigorates blood, nourishes blood, relaxes sinews. |
| Tinospora Sinensis | Qing Feng Teng | Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks channels. |
| Poria | Fu Ling | Promotes urination, strengthens spleen, calms the spirit. |
| Angelicae Pubescentis Radix | Du Huo | Dispels wind-dampness, alleviates pain, releases the exterior. |
| Acanthopanacis Cortex | Wu Jia Pi | Dispels wind-dampness, strengthens sinews and bones, tonifies kidneys. |
| Cibotii Rhizoma | Gou Ji | Tonifies liver and kidneys, strengthens bones, expels wind-dampness. |
⚠️ For external use only. Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, open wounds, or are managing a complex chronic condition.
Non-Addictive Pain Relief
Corydalis Relief Salve is built around Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) — a member of the Papaveraceae (poppy) family that interacts with the same pain receptor sites as opiate medication to reduce pain, without the addiction, side effects, or positive drug test. For those living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathy, and inflammatory conditions, this is a powerful, safe, and clinically respected alternative to conventional pain management.
Our standard formula has been powered up with the addition of Copaiba — a potent natural oil that amplifies the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits of the salve. Available in jar, stick, and travel size so you can have relief wherever you need it.
Who Corydalis Relief Salve Is For
This salve is especially effective for those living with:
- Fibromyalgia — widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points
- Chronic arthritis & joint pain — osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint conditions
- Neuropathy — nerve pain, burning, and tingling
- Chronic back, neck & shoulder pain
- Post-injury & post-surgical pain — supports tissue healing and pain reduction
- Headaches & migraines — applied to temples, neck, and shoulders
- Inflammatory pain — supports a healthy inflammatory response without systemic side effects
- Those seeking non-addictive alternatives to opiates or NSAIDs for long-term pain management
How It Works
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) contains alkaloids — particularly dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB) — that bind to dopamine and opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, producing significant pain relief through the same pathways as opiate medications. Unlike opiates, Corydalis is:
- Non-addictive — confirmed by peer-reviewed research (NIH/PMC5021270)
- Non-habit-forming — no tolerance buildup with regular use
- Will not cause a positive opiate drug test
- Contains no controlled substances
Applied topically, the risk of side effects is reduced to near zero while still delivering profound localized pain reduction. The addition of Copaiba oil — rich in beta-caryophyllene, a potent CB2 receptor agonist — further amplifies the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
See It in Action
Hear the Full Story — Podcast Deep Dive
Ingredients & Their Healing Actions
- Yan Hu Suo / Corydalis — chief herb; interacts with opioid and dopamine receptors to relieve pain. Non-addictive, non-habit-forming, extensively researched.
- Copaiba — rich in beta-caryophyllene; activates CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation and amplify pain relief
- Ru Xiang / Frankincense — moves blood and qi, reduces swelling and pain, supports tissue regeneration
- Mo Yao / Myrrh — breaks blood stasis, reduces pain and inflammation, promotes healing
- Xun Yi Cao / Lavender — calms the nervous system, reduces inflammation, soothes skin
- Shan Jin Che / Arnica — reduces bruising, swelling, and muscle soreness; classic topical pain herb
- Palmarosa — anti-inflammatory, skin-healing, and antimicrobial essential oil
- Shea Butter — deeply moisturizing base; supports skin barrier and absorption
- Vitamin E Oil — antioxidant; supports skin healing and reduces scarring
- Beeswax — natural emulsifier; creates the salve texture and supports skin protection
- Coconut Oil — carrier oil; enhances absorption of herbal actives into the skin
Research
- Antinociceptive Properties of Corydalis Yanhusuo Extract — PLOS ONE
- Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Alkaloids of Corydalis Tuber — Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
- Non-Addictive Properties of Corydalis Yan Hu Suo — NIH/PubMed Central
Additional Clinical Overview
⚠️ For external use only. Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, open wounds, or are managing a complex chronic condition.
Clear Chronic Pathogens. Break Biofilm. Restore Immune Balance.
Wind Tea is a precision combination of two of TCM’s most respected classical formulas — Xiao Chai Hu Tang and San Ren Tang — working together to address the hidden pathogenic load that drives many chronic illness presentations, including fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, post-viral syndromes, and autoimmune conditions.
At Crawford Wellness, Wind Tea is used as part of our integrative protocols for patients where chronic infections, lymphatic stagnation, and biofilm are contributing to persistent symptoms that conventional medicine struggles to resolve.
Wind Tea for Fibromyalgia
Watch our clinical explanation of how Xiao Chai Hu Jia San Ren Tang is used in fibromyalgia treatment:
Who Wind Tea Is For
This formula is especially effective for those living with:
- Fibromyalgia — especially where hidden viral or bacterial load, lymphatic congestion, and biofilm are driving pain and fatigue
- Chronic Lyme disease — clears pathogens from the shaoyang layer and lymphatic system
- Post-viral syndromes & long COVID — addresses reactivating viral patterns and residual pathogenic heat
- Chronic upper respiratory infections — acute and recurring viral and bacterial respiratory illness
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) & reactivating viral syndromes — clears heat and toxin from the shaoyang layer
- Autoimmune conditions — reduces systemic inflammation and supports immune regulation
- Lymphatic congestion & biofilm — facilitates drainage of the lymphatic system and breaks down the mucus-like biofilm that harbors chronic infections
- Chronic fatigue — restores the body’s ability to clear pathogens and recover energy
How Wind Tea Works
Xiao Chai Hu Tang is one of the safest and most widely used herbal formulas in Asia, with thousands of years of clinical use and extensive modern research. It works on the shaoyang layer — the semi-interior zone where pathogens become lodged between the surface and the deep organs, producing alternating symptoms, lymph node swelling, fatigue, and immune dysregulation. This is a pattern seen consistently in fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme, and post-viral illness.
San Ren Tang is a gentle but powerful addition that extends the formula’s reach into the lymphatic system, where chronic pathogens accumulate and hide. It also facilitates the breakdown of biofilm — the protective mucus-like matrix that shields chronic infections from both the immune system and antimicrobial treatments. This is a critical mechanism for patients who have tried antibiotics or antivirals without lasting results.
Together, the two formulas:
- Open and clear the shaoyang layer — expelling pathogens that have become lodged in the lymphatic and immune system
- Break down biofilm — exposing hidden chronic infections to immune clearance
- Reduce pathological dampness — draining the fluid accumulation that feeds chronic pathogens
- Restore the immune system’s ability to distinguish self from pathogen — supporting autoimmune regulation
- Clear heat and toxin — reducing systemic inflammation without harming the microbiome
Quality You Can Trust
Wind Tea is made from sustainably sourced botanical material that has been extensively lab-tested for purity and potency. Only the highest grade of herbs available are used — a standard that matters enormously when treating complex chronic illness where therapeutic potency is non-negotiable.
How to Brew Wind Tea
Boil water and add 1–4 teabags. Steep covered for 10–20 minutes, strain and sip. Re-brew the same teabags several times until no flavor or aroma remains.
⚠️ Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a complex chronic condition with existing medications.
Two Herbs. For Chronic Inflammation
Miraculous Results.
Aquada is a super-premium version of the classical Chinese formula Er Miao Wan — aptly nicknamed “Double Awesome Pills.” Despite containing only two ingredients, this formula is one of TCM’s most powerful tools for addressing damp heat — the pattern underlying gout, joint inflammation, fungal overgrowth, metabolic dysregulation, and the heavy, swollen discomfort that plagues those with chronic illness.
At Crawford Wellness, Aquada is recommended for patients dealing with gout, inflammatory arthritis, chronic dampness patterns, and the metabolic burden of diet, stress, and chronic infection.
Aquada for Gout — A Clinical Overview
Watch this video for a deep dive into how Er Miao Wan addresses gout and damp heat conditions:
Who Aquada Is For
Traditionally used for relief from damp heat patterns, including:
- Gout — acute and chronic uric acid accumulation causing joint pain and swelling
- Inflammatory arthritis — hot, swollen, painful joints driven by damp heat
- Fungal overgrowth & microbial imbalance — especially in those with diets high in sugar, alcohol, or processed foods
- Metabolic syndrome & blood sugar dysregulation — Berberine’s well-documented effects on glucose metabolism
- Chronic dampness & heaviness — the heavy, foggy, swollen feeling common in chronic illness
- Post-indulgence recovery — got a sweet tooth but hate the bad feelings after? Try a dose of Aquada after that slice of pie.
- Urinary tract inflammation — clears damp heat from the lower jiao
- Skin conditions driven by damp heat — eczema, weeping sores, and inflammatory skin presentations
How Aquada Works
In TCM, damp heat is a pathological accumulation of excess fluid (dampness) combined with inflammatory heat. It settles in the joints, lower body, gut, and skin — producing the swelling, pain, heaviness, and microbial imbalance seen in gout, metabolic syndrome, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Aquada’s two ingredients work in powerful synergy:
- Huang Bai / Phellodendron Bark (30-year-old trees) — clears heat and dries dampness, especially from the lower jiao. Contains exceptionally high Berberine content — one of the most researched natural compounds for antimicrobial activity, blood sugar regulation, uric acid reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. Berberine has been shown in multiple studies to rival pharmaceutical interventions for metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
- Cang Zhu / Red Atractylodes — high in volatile compounds that restore healthy water metabolism and eliminate the damp-type heavy discomfort that weighs the body down. Dries dampness, strengthens the spleen, and expels wind-damp from the channels and joints.
Together, they are among the most powerful substances on the planet for regulating microbial balance and clearing the damp heat that drives chronic inflammation — in a formula so simple it has been used unchanged for over a thousand years.
Research
Aquada’s ingredients are among the most studied in TCM. Key research areas include Berberine’s effects on uric acid metabolism, antimicrobial activity, blood sugar regulation, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Read the full clinical deep-dive on Aquada at Botanical Biohacking’s blog:
Aquada: A Simple Botanical Combination with Miraculous Applications →
How to Measure & Take Your Pellets
Aquada comes in pellet form. Watch this short video to learn exactly how to measure your dose correctly:
⚠️ Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a complex chronic condition with existing medications.
Deep Healing from the Ground Up
Used for centuries in Chinese and Tibetan medicine, Tibetan Foot Soaks are far more than a relaxing ritual. The feet contain dense networks of nerve endings and blood vessels that connect directly to the brain and every major organ system. Soaking in a potent herbal bath stimulates deep regenerative processes that support the nervous system, improve circulation, and help the body begin to unwind chronic pain patterns from the inside out.
At Crawford Wellness, Tibetan Foot Soaks are an integral part of our treatment protocols for fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic illness — conditions where systemic circulation, nerve health, and inflammation are all factors.
Who Tibetan Foot Soaks Are For
Traditionally used for relief from:
- Peripheral neuropathy — nerve pain, burning, and tingling in the feet and legs
- Fibromyalgia pain — widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) — supports energy restoration and nervous system regulation
- Chronic Lyme disease — part of integrative detox and circulation support protocols
- Autoimmune conditions — reduces systemic inflammation and supports immune balance
- Lower body pain — arthritis and arthralgias of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and low back
- Menstrual pain — moves blood and relieves pelvic stagnation
- Migraines and headaches — drawing circulation downward helps relieve pressure in the head
- Lingering pain from old, deep injuries — penetrates tissue to resolve stubborn stagnation
Why This Formula Is Different
This is the best quality Tibetan Foot Soak available. Botanical Biohacking sources these herbs through direct relationships with wild-crafters in Tibet and high-altitude growing regions — no middlemen, no compromises. The formula is enriched with Tibetan Ka Ru Cha salt (Halite Violaceous), a rare purple mineral salt that delivers not just volatile herbal oils but the full mineral profile of a high-mountain hot spring: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, and dozens of trace elements.
The result is a soak that is noticeably tingly — a sign the herbs are working.
Ingredient Quality — Sourced from the Source
See exactly where these herbs come from and why sourcing quality matters for chronic illness healing:
Key Ingredients & Their Healing Actions
- Du Yi Wei (Herba Lamiophlomis Rotata) — invigorates blood, reduces swelling, stops pain; a Tibetan alpine herb used for trauma and chronic pain
- Hong Jing Tian (Rhodiola Tibetica) — adaptogen; combats fatigue, supports oxygen utilization and stress resilience
- Hong Hua (Real Saffron / Carthamus) — moves blood, breaks stagnation, relieves pain and menstrual discomfort
- Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma) — expels wind-cold-damp, relieves pain in the upper and lower body, especially the back and joints
- Zang Chang Pu (Acori Calami Rhizoma) — opens the orifices, calms the mind, transforms dampness; supports neurological clarity
- Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) — clears heat, dries dampness, relieves itching and skin inflammation
- Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) — warms the channels, dispels cold, improves circulation throughout the body
- Ai Ye (Mugwort Leaf) — warms the meridians, stops pain, supports uterine and pelvic health
- Ka Ru Cha (Tibetan Purple Salt / Halite Violaceous) — rare high-altitude mineral salt; delivers potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace elements for deep mineral absorption
How to Prepare Your Foot Soak
Place 1–3 sachets into a basin and add 5–8 cups of boiling water. Steep and allow to cool to approximately 105°F (40°C). Soak your feet for 20–30 minutes, adding hot water as needed to maintain temperature.
Using Foot Soaks for Migraines & Headaches
One of the lesser-known but highly effective uses of Tibetan Foot Soaks is for migraines and chronic headaches. By drawing circulation and qi downward toward the feet, the soak helps relieve the excess pressure and heat that accumulates in the head during a migraine. Many patients report significant relief when soaking at the onset of a migraine episode.
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep sealed after opening
- Keep out of reach of children
- Shelf life: 3 years
⚠️ Precautions — Please Read Before Use
- For external use only
- Avoid if you have open wounds, bleeding disorders, active infection, or burns
- Do not use within 30 minutes of eating or on an empty stomach
- Avoid drafts during and after soaking
- Do not use if pregnant, or if you have metastatic cancer or conditions where moving blood is contraindicated
- Use caution with children — consult a qualified practitioner first
- Avoid during active cold, flu, or allergy flares
- Wait at least 7 days post-surgery before use
- Consult your Crawford Wellness practitioner if you are unsure whether foot soaks are appropriate for your condition
Calm the Nervous System. Restore Balance.
Xiao Yao San (造遙散 — "Free and Easy Wanderer") is one of the most widely used and extensively researched formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For those living with fibromyalgia, chronic stress, anxiety, and gut-brain dysregulation, this formula addresses the root pattern — liver qi stagnation invading the spleen — that drives electrical and burning pain, IBS flares, mood instability, and nervous system hyperreactivity.
At Crawford Wellness, Xiao Yao San Tea is a key component of Stage 3 of our Fibromyalgia Treatment Protocol, specifically targeting the stress-driven pain amplification and gut-brain axis dysfunction that characterizes this stage.
Fibromyalgia Stage 3: How Xiao Yao San Fits In
Watch our clinical explanation of how Xiao Yao San is used in Stage 3 fibromyalgia treatment:
Who Xiao Yao San Tea Is For
Traditionally used for relief from:
- Fibromyalgia — electrical and burning pain that worsens with stress, overwork, or emotional strain
- Stress, irritability, and overwork — calms liver qi stagnation and restores smooth flow
- Anxiety and depression — extensively studied for anti-depressant and anxiolytic mechanisms
- IBS and digestive dysfunction — especially effective in combination with Microgard or Microgard Plus
- Wood-Earth Dysharmony — the TCM pattern where liver overacts on spleen, causing pain, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue
- Stress-related weight gain — regulates cortisol and metabolic disruption driven by chronic stress
- Brain-body inflammation — protects the blood-brain barrier from cortisol-driven damage
The Science: How Xiao Yao San Works
Modern research has validated what TCM practitioners have known for centuries. Xiao Yao San works on multiple physiological pathways simultaneously:
- Nitric Oxide regulation — under chronic stress, nitric oxide becomes elevated and unevenly distributed, signaling pain, IBS attacks, and anxiety. Xiao Yao San reduces and redistributes nitric oxide to correct this pattern — directly addressing the burning and electrical pain of fibromyalgia.
- Gut-brain axis health — extensively studied for its effects on gasotransmitter signaling between the gut and brain
- Blood-brain barrier protection — research shows Xiao Yao San reduces injury to the blood-brain barrier caused by elevated cortisol levels
- Glucocorticoid regulation — modulates cortisol and stress hormone levels during chronic stress
- Anti-depressant / anti-anxiety mechanisms — multiple studies confirm its effects on mood regulation pathways
Key Ingredients & Their Healing Actions
- Chai Hu / Bupleurum Radix — the chief herb; opens the shaoyang, moves liver qi stagnation, clears heat, and lifts depression
- Dang Gui / Angelica Sinensis — nourishes and invigorates blood, supports liver function, relieves pain and menstrual irregularity
- Bai Shao / White Peony Root — softens the liver, relieves cramping and spasm, nourishes blood, calms pain
- Bai Zhu / Atractylodis Macrocephalae — strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, supports digestive function
- Fu Ling / Poria — calms the mind, strengthens the spleen, resolves dampness and anxiety
- Gan Cao / Licorice Root — harmonizes all herbs, tonifies spleen qi, reduces inflammation
- Bo He / Mint — disperses liver qi stagnation, clears the head, relieves emotional constraint
- Sheng Jiang / Fresh Ginger — warms the middle, supports digestion, harmonizes the formula
How to Brew Xiao Yao San Tea
Boil water and add 1–4 teabags. Steep covered for 10–20 minutes, strain and sip. Re-brew the same teabags several times until no flavor or aroma remains.
⚠️ Consult your licensed TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing a complex chronic condition with existing medications.
Fibromyalgia Stage 1
Clear Wind, Dampness & Chronic Infections
Stage 1 of the Crawford Wellness Fibromyalgia Protocol targets the foundational pathogenic layer that drives fibromyalgia in the first place: Wind and Dampness — usually in the form of chronic reactivating viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), chronic Lyme, or other persistent infections that have lodged in the shaoyang layer and lymphatic system.
The hallmark of Stage 1 fibromyalgia is wandering pain — pain that moves around the body and doesn’t stay fixed in one place. This is the TCM signature of Wind. We recommend continuing Stage 1 until wandering pains have been eliminated. Once your fibromyalgia pains become fixed in location, you are ready to progress to Stage 2.
Read the full clinical explanation of Stage 1: Fibromyalgia Protocol Stage 1 – Wind, Dampness & Chronic Infections →
Stage 1 Clinical Overview
What’s Included — Choose Your Package
- Wind Tea – Xiao Chai Hu Jia San Ren Tang (30 teabags) by Botanical Biohacking — the cornerstone of Stage 1. Clears the shaoyang layer, inhibits viral replication, dissolves biofilm, reduces post-viral inflammation, and eliminates wandering pain. Learn more
- Chorus Capsules (highly recommended) — begins dissolving lesions in the digestive tract and reducing food sensitivities — a critical preparatory step before Stage 2. Restores gut integrity and reduces the systemic inflammation that feeds fibromyalgia pain.
- Tibetan Foot Soaks (20 sachets) by Botanical Biohacking — dissolves biofilm and reduces inflammation in the lower extremities. Especially helpful for pain in the hips, knees, ankles, feet, and low back. Also induces a therapeutic sweat — a critical mechanism for expelling Wind and Dampness in Stage 1 treatment. Learn more
Package Options
- Wind Tea + Chorus + Tibetan Foot Soaks (full Stage 1 kit — recommended) — $235
- Wind Tea + Chorus (no foot soaks) — $155
- Wind Tea + Tibetan Foot Soaks (no Chorus) — $185
Purchased individually, these three products retail for nearly $500. Bundled together, you save significantly at every tier.
How Stage 1 Works
In TCM, fibromyalgia’s wandering pain is caused by Wind and Dampness penetrating the shaoyang layer — a semi-interior zone where chronic pathogens become lodged, producing alternating symptoms, lymph node swelling, fatigue, and immune dysregulation. This is the same pattern seen in chronic Lyme, EBV reactivation, and post-viral syndromes.
The three products work synergistically:
- Wind Tea opens the shaoyang, clears pathogenic Wind and Dampness, inhibits viral replication, and breaks down the biofilm that allows chronic infections to persist
- Chorus Capsules restores the gut — the immune system’s foundation — reducing food sensitivities and preparing the body for the deeper work of Stage 2
- Tibetan Foot Soaks open the exterior through therapeutic sweating, drawing pathogens outward and relieving lower body pain and inflammation
This package is part of the Crawford Wellness structured fibromyalgia treatment protocol. For best results, use under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner. Schedule an appointment
Common questions
Many are, but it depends on the formula. Chinese herbal medicine is used alongside conventional care every day in East Asia, and that is how we work too — we will never ask you to stop a prescription. That said, some botanicals do interact with common medications. Check the safety notes on the individual product page, and if you are on multiple prescriptions, bring the formula to your prescribing provider or ask us first.
You can start on your own. The protocol packages exist precisely so you have a sensible starting point without a consultation, and the free articles and videos are there to help you choose. If you have a complicated history — several diagnoses, a long medication list, or symptoms that have resisted everything — a consultation will save you money rather than cost it.
Honestly, it varies enough that any number we printed here would be misleading. Some people notice a shift in days; for others it is a matter of months, and for chronic conditions the work is usually measured in months rather than weeks. What we can say is that if nothing at all has changed after a full course, the formula is probably wrong for you — and that is worth a conversation, not a second bottle.
Our botanicals are sustainably wildcrafted in partnership with Chengdu University of TCM and Southwest Minzu University, and tested for purity and potency at an independent Chinese FDA-certified laboratory in Sichuan Province. Where a product comes from a partner brand, that is named on the product page.
See our shipping and refunds page for the full terms. If something arrives damaged or wrong, contact us and we will make it right.
