Prescriptions for Invigorating Qi
Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤): Classic TCM Formula
Name
Decoction of Four Noble Drugs
The Prescription of 四君子汤
Source
The book Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang
Ingredients
Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 10 g,Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 9 g,Fu Ling (Poria) 9 g,Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 6 g.Explanation
Ren Shen: The principal drug, being sweet in flavor and warm in nature, invigorating primordial Qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach.
Bai Zhu: Strengthening the spleen and drying dampness.
Fu Ling: Inducing diuresis and strengthening the spleen, assisting Bai Zhu in promoting the transforming and transporting function of the spleen.
Zhi Gan Cao: Invigorating Qi, regulating the stomach, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.
The Effect of 四君子汤
Effect
Invigorating Qi and strengthening the spleen
Indications
Syndrome due to Qi deficiency of the spleen and stomach, marked by pale complexion, lower voice, weakness of the limbs, poor appetite or loose stools, pale tongue, thready and slow pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer.
Administrations
Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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