Si Jun Zi Tang — Four Gentlemen Decoction

On this page

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

What is Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang — Four Gentlemen Decoction — is the most fundamental Qi-tonifying formula in Chinese herbal medicine. It is composed of only four herbs and serves as the base from which the entire family of Spleen Qi-tonifying formulas is built, including Liu Jun Zi Tang, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Gui Pi Tang and Ba Zhen Tang. Its name — Four Gentlemen — reflects the balanced, harmonious way its herbs work together without harsh or excessive action.

Si Jun Zi Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, characterised by: fatigue and lassitude, pale complexion, a weak and soft voice, poor appetite, loose stools, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a thin, weak pulse.

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — the principal herb; powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi, Spleen and Lung Qi
2. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) — tonifies Spleen Qi and dries Dampness; strengthens the Spleen’s transforming and transporting function
3. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen Qi, leaches out Dampness and calms the Heart-Mind
4. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — tonifies Qi, harmonises all herbs and moderates the formula

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi

Conditions treated

1. Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency — the foundational indication; used as a standalone formula for mild-moderate Qi deficiency
2. Digestive weakness — poor appetite, bloating, loose stools and fatigue after eating
3. IBS with Spleen Qi deficiency pattern
4. Chronic illness recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation
5. Long COVID Spleen Qi deficiency

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.