Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of powder and decoction of Xiaoyao Powder Formula in the treatment of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency. Methods Totally 42 patients with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome were randomly assigned into the powder group of 20 cases and the decoction group of 22 cases. The powder group was given powder of Xiaoyao Powder Formula

3 g each time

3 times per day orally

while the decoction group was given decoction of the same formula

1 pack per day

all for 4 weeks. Symptom scores were recorded before and after treatments to determine improvements. Results TCM symptom total scores were significantly lower than that before treatment for both groups and the powder group had better results（ P < 0. 01）. The effective rate of the powder group for loose stool was 80. 00%

which was better than the 40. 91% of the decoction group（ P < 0. 05）. The effective rate of other symptoms showed no statistical significance（ P > 0. 05）. Conclusion Both powder and decoction could improve the clinical symptoms of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency

with powder had better results.