Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Liu Jun Zi Tang

六君子汤

Also known as:

Six Gentlemen Decoction

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Qi
  2. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
  3. Clears Phlegm and mucus
  4. Promotes appetite

Patterns Treated

Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency, Phlegm, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1107)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Liu Jun Zi Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies Qi
Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Clears Phlegm and mucus
Promotes appetite

Key TCM Concepts

Liu Jun Zi Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1107, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Qi and 2) strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Liu Jun Zi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency or Phlegm. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as vaginal itching, anorexia or peptic ulcers for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Qi Deficiency
  • Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
  • Phlegm
  • Spleen Qi Deficiency
  • Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
  • Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

Common Applications

Vaginal itching Anorexia Peptic ulcers Chronic gastritis Acid reflux

Ingredients in Liu Jun Zi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Liu Jun Zi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
Ren Shen is a a powerful tonic for the Spleen Qi. Today however it is often substituted for Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), which plays a similar role and is significantly less expensive.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Bai Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi."

In the context of Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
Chen Pi is a drying herb that directs the Qi downward and helps remove obstruction in the Middle Burner by Phlegm-Dampness. This is characterized by Rebellious Qi of the Stomach and Lungs with symptoms like nausea, vomiting (for the stomach part) and coughing sputum (for the Lungs).
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it removes Dampness and assists Ginseng or Codonopsis root in strengthening the Spleen..
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it , like Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), has a drying effect and helps direct the Qi downward.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it warms and regulates the Middle Burner and moderates the draining property of Poria-cocos mushrooms.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Liu Jun Zi Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Liu Jun Zi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.