【Chinese Name】 |
四君子湯
|
【Phonetic】 |
Si Jun Zi Tang
|
【English Name】 |
Four Gentlemen Decoction |
【Classification】 |
Tonic formulas |
【Source】 |
《Formulas from the Imperial Pharmacy》Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang《太平惠民和劑局方》 |
【Combination】 |
Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 3 liang (9g), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 3 liang (9g), Poria (Fu Ling) 3 liang (9g), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g) |
【Method】 |
Grind all of the medicinals into a thin powder. Decoct fifteen grams together with one zhan of water until thirty percent of the water has vaporized. Take it orally whenever necessary. A little salt may be added to the powdered medicinals, but it is not necessary. (Modern use: prepare as a decoction.) |
【Action】 |
Boosts qi and fortifies the spleen. |
【Indication】 |
Si Jun Zi Tang is indicated for patterns of spleen-stomach qi deficiency. Clinical manifestations include a pale, lusterless facial complexion, a faint, low voice, shortness of breath, and thin, unformed stool. The tongue is pale with a white coating. The pulse is deficient and weak. |
【Pathogenesis】 |
This pattern is caused by spleen-stomach qi deficiency that hinders the transportation and transformation process. The spleen and stomach are the foundations of the postnatal constitution and the source of qi and blood production. When they become deficient there is not enough energy to support food digestion and absorption, which causes there to be less food intake. Internal damp-turbidity may follow spleen-stomach deficiency, which leads to thin, unformed stools. Since the spleen governs the muscles and limbs, and the nutrients transformed by a deficient spleen are far from enough, patients may lack strength. When this deficiency affects the qi and blood production, patients may develop a pale complexion because there is not enough blood going upward to nourish the face. The spleen is the mother to the lung, so lung qi may also become impaired and cause shortness of breath and a faint, low voice. The tongue and pulse signs all indicate qi deficiency. In this condition, the treatment is to supplement and boost the spleen-stomach qi in order to re-establish normal transportation and transformation. |
【Application】 |
1. Essential pattern differentiation Si Jun Zi Tang is a basic formula used to supplement qi, and is commonly used to treat patterns of spleen-stomach deficiency. Many formulas developed in later generations, that supplement the spleen and boost qi, are derived from it. This clinical pattern is marked by pale complexion, poor appetite, shortness of breath, lack of strength in the four limbs, pale tongue with white coating, deficient, weak pulse. 2. Modern applications This formula may be used to treat chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer when the patient shows signs of spleen qi deficiency. |
【Additonal formulae】 |
1. Yi Gong San (Special Achievement Powder 異功散) [Source]《Key to Diagnosis and Treatment of Children’s Diseases》Xiao er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue《小兒藥證直訣》 [Ingredients] Si Jun Zi Tang, chen pi 6g, sheng jiang 5 pieces, da zao 2 pieces [Preparation and Administration] Prepare it as a decoction. [Actions] Boosts qi and fortifies the spleen, moves qi and resolves food stagnation. [Applicable Patterns] Spleen-stomach qi deficiency with qi stagnation. 2. Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction 六君子湯) [Source]《True Biography of Medicine》Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan《醫學正傳》 [Ingredients] Si Jun Zi Tang, chen pi 6g, ban xia 4.5g [Preparation and Administration] Prepare it as a decoction with 3 pieces of sheng jiang and 2 pieces of da zao. [Actions] Boosts qi and fortifies the spleen, dries dampness, and dissolves phlegm. [Applicable Patterns] Spleen-stomach qi deficiency with concurrent phlegm-damp. 3. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Costusroot and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction 香砂六君子湯) [Source]《Comments on Ancient and Modern Famous Case Records》Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun《古今名醫方論》 [Ingredients] Si Jun Zi Tang, chen pi 3g, ban xia 4.5g, mu xiang 2g, sha ren 2.5g [Preparation and Administration] Prepare it as a decoction with 2 qian (6g) of sheng jiang. [Actions] Boosts qi, dissolves phlegm, moves qi, and warms the center. [Applicable Patterns] Spleen-stomach qi deficiency with phlegm obstruction and qi stagnation. 4. Bao Yuan Tang (Original-Qi-Preserving Decoction 保元湯) [Source]《Reflections of Universal Love》Bo ai Xin Jian《博愛心鑒》 [Ingredients] Huang qi 3 qian (9g), ren shen 1 qian (3g), zhi gan cao 1 qian (3g), rou gui 5 fen (1.5g) [Preparation and Administration] Prepare it as a decoction with 1 piece of sheng jiang. [Actions] Boosts qi and warms yang [Applicable Patterns] Deficiency and impairment, original-qi insufficiency, marked by fatigue, lack of strength, weak breathing, fear of cold. It can also treat smallpox with yang deficiency. |
【Remark】 |
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II. Its trade is allowed but subject to licensing controls. |
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