Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng
Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng (四君子汤, “Four Gentlemen Decoction”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach.
Main action
Tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach
The base formula of all Spleen Qi tonifying formulas. The 'four knights' represent virtue and gentleness in their action.
Indications
- Fatigue
- Paleness
- Reduced appetite
- loose stools
- weak voice
- Tongue
- Pale, white coating
- Pulse
- Weak or deep and weak
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rén Shēn 人参 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 9g | Tonifies the primordial Qi |
| Bái Zhú 白术 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Tones spleen, eliminates moisture |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, calms mind |
| Gān Cǎo 甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonize the ingredients |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil for 30-40 minutes in 600ml water, reduce to 300ml, filter and take 2 times/day on an empty stomach.
Classical modifications
Add: Ban Xia (半夏) 9g, Chen Pi (陈皮) 6g → Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤)
Current uses being studied
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- IBS with deficiency
- Post-operative recovery
- mild anemia
Precautions
- Do not use with heat or fullness
- Avoid in acute fever
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 四君子汤
- English name
- Four Gentlemen Decoction
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- 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.
