Si Jun Zi Tang — Four Gentlemen Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

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.

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

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.