Liu Jun Zi Tang — Six Gentlemen Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Liu Jun Zi Tang — Six Gentlemen Decoction — is built upon Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) with the addition of Ban Xia and Chen Pi to dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. This modification addresses the extremely common clinical situation where Spleen Qi deficiency has allowed Dampness and Phlegm to accumulate. The formula simultaneously strengthens the Spleen (addressing the root cause) and resolves existing Phlegm-Damp (addressing the manifestation).

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with Phlegm-Damp, characterised by: fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, a sensation of fullness in the epigastrium, cough with phlegm, a swollen pale tongue with greasy white coating, and a weak, slippery pulse.

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — powerfully tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi
2. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) — tonifies Spleen Qi and dries Dampness
3. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen and leaches out Dampness
4. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — tonifies Qi and harmonises
5. Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata rhizome, processed) — dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, descends Rebellious Qi and stops nausea
6. Chen Pi (aged Citrus reticulata peel) — regulates Qi, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm

Conditions treated

1. Digestive disorders with Spleen Qi deficiency and Phlegm-Damp — bloating, poor appetite, nausea, loose stools
2. Morning sickness in pregnancy from Spleen deficiency with Phlegm
3. Chronic respiratory conditions with Spleen-generated Phlegm
4. Chronic fatigue with poor digestion and Phlegm-Damp heaviness
5. IBS with Spleen Qi deficiency and Phlegm-Damp

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.