Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Si Jun Zi Tang

四君子汤

Also known as:

Four Gentlemen Decoction

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Qi
  2. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Patterns Treated

Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency, Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency, Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency, Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency, Lung Yang Deficiency, Lung Qi Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

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

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Si Jun Zi Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies Qi
Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Key TCM Concepts

Si Jun Zi Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1107 AD, 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 Si Jun Zi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency or Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Qi Deficiency
  • Stomach Qi Deficiency
  • Spleen and Lung Qi Deficiency
  • Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency
  • Stomach and Spleen Qi Deficiency
  • Lung Yang Deficiency
  • Lung Qi Deficiency
  • Spleen Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Irritable bowel syndrome Chronic hepatitis Nosebleed Anemia Neutropenia

Ingredients in Si Jun Zi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Si 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 Si 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 Si 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 Si Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
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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 Si 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 Si Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it removes Dampness and assists Ginseng and Codonopsis root in strengthening the Spleen. .
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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 Si 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 Si 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 Si Jun Zi Tang

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

Contraindications

The long-term use of this formula may result in a dry mouth, thirst, and irritability.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Si 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.