Formula Formulas that dispel Phlegm

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

香砂六君子汤

Also known as:

Six-Gentlemen Decoction with Costus root and Amomum fruit

Formula Composition

Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang
Sha Ren
Sha Ren
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
  2. Removes Dampness
  3. Moves Qi
  4. Alleviates pain
  5. Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,

Patterns Treated

Damp-Phlegm, Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, Stomach Deficiency, Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Discussion of Famous Physicians' Formulas Past and Present (1675 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
Removes Dampness
Moves Qi
Alleviates pain
Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,

Key TCM Concepts

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1675 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi and 2) removes Dampness.

 

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 Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Phlegm, Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus or Stomach Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as late menstruation, absence of menstruation or morning sickness for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Phlegm
  • Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
  • Stomach Deficiency
  • Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency

Common Applications

Late menstruation Absence of menstruation Morning sickness Gastric ulcers Duodenal ulcers Chronic gastritis Gastroptosis Gastrointestinal dysfunction Bronchiectasis Chronic atrophic gastritis Diabetes Autonomic nervous system disorders affecting the intestines Renal anemia

Ingredients in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang

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

Kings
Deputies
Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Ren Shen is a a powerful tonic for the Spleen Qi. Today however it is often substituted for Dang Shen (Codonopsis root), which plays a similar role and is significantly less expensive. It also tonifies Stomach Qi and resolve Dampness.
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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 Xiang Sha 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 Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it tonifies Spleen Qi and Stomach Qi and resolves 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 Xiang Sha 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 Xiang Sha 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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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Xiang Sha 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 Xiang Sha 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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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 Xiang Sha 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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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Ban Xia , like Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), has a drying effect and helps direct the Qi downward. It also stops nausea.
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Mu Xiang
Mu Xiang

Costus roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Mu Xiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Stagnation of Qi of the digestion in the Spleen, Stomach and Intestines. Relieves Qi Stagnation of the Liver and Gallbladder. Strengthens the Spleen and is used with tonifying herbs to prevent their potential cloying effects."

In the context of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it moves Qi and eliminates Stagnation in the epigastrium.
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Sha Ren
Sha Ren

Amomum fruits

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Sha Ren's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and transforms Dampness. Promotes the movement of Qi for Damp and Stagnant conditions of the Stomach and Spleen. Settles a restless fetus and stops morning sickness. Prevents cloying and Stagnation sometimes caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, it is used because it moves Qi, stops nausea. and eliminates Stagnation in the epigastrium.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiang Sha 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, Xiang Sha 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.