Si Jun Zi Tang

(Four Gentlemen Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Tonify the Qi

Pattern:

• Spleen Qi deficiency

Actions:

• Tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Indications:

• Loose stool, pale complexion, weak limbs, low energy, poor appetite, and soft voice

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale tongue with thin white coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Weak, thin pulse

Western Uses:

• Chronic Gastritis
• Gastric and Duodenal Ulcer
• Neurasthenia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Periodic Paralysis
• Uterine Fibroids
• Reduces Recovery Time after gastric surgery

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use this formula in cases of excess heat or deficient heat
• Do not use this formula when irritability, thirst, bloating and constipation present together.
• This formula may cause irritability and dry mouth if use for a prolonged period of time.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Ren Shen is usually replaced with 2-3 times the dosage of Dang Shen.

Originally Appeared In:

• Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Spleen, Stomach, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) Qty: 3-9 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Bitter, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Ginseng Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: SP, ST Prop: Bitter, Sweet, Warm Latin: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) Qty: 6-9 grams Chan: HT, SP, LU Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 3-6 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.