Liù Jūn Zǐ Tāng
Liù Jūn Zǐ Tāng (六君子汤, “Six Gentlemen Decoction”) comes from Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (1515 CE). Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, transforms phlegm and humidity.
Main action
Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, transforms phlegm and humidity
Extension of Si Jun Zi Tang with Ban Xia and Chen Pi to treat spleen deficiency complicated by phlegm-dampness.
Indications
- Fatigue with nausea
- Epigastric fullness
- Vomiting
- Cough with abundant phlegm
- loose stools
- Tongue
- Pale, white, greasy coating
- Pulse
- Weak and slippery
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dǎng Shēn 党参 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi |
| Bái Zhú 白术 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Tones spleen, eliminates moisture |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture |
| Bàn Xià 半夏 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, stops vomiting |
| Chén Pí 陈皮 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Moves Qi, dries dampness, transforms phlegm |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonizes ingredients, tonifies Qi |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil 30-40 min in 600ml water, reduce to 300ml, take 2 times/day before meals
Classical modifications
Add: Mu Xiang (木香) 6g, Sha Ren (砂仁) 6g → Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi (香砂六君子)
Current uses being studied
- chronic gastritis
- peptic ulcer
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- functional anorexia
Precautions
- Avoid in hot stomach
- Do not use if there is dryness with little coating
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 六君子汤
- English name
- Six Gentlemen Decoction
- Source
- Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (1515 CE)
- Dynasty
- Ming
- Category
- Tonify Qi
- Constitutions
- Qi Deficiency Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
