六君子汤的核心功效与机制是什么？

六君子汤由四君子汤（人参、白术、茯苓、甘草）与二陈汤核心药材（陈皮、半夏）经典科学配伍而成，核心功效为健脾益气、燥湿化痰。中医学认为脾为生痰之源，胃为贮痰之器，当脾胃气虚、运化水湿功能瘫痪时，水湿便会凝聚成顽固的痰饮内阻中焦。方中以人参、白术大补脾胃之气，恢复其运化水谷精微的本能；协同茯苓、陈皮、半夏健脾燥湿，强力化解体内阻滞的黏滞痰湿，并通过半夏降逆和胃。该方补中有行、温而不燥，能兼顾脾胃之虚与内生之痰湿，调理中焦运化失职。

现代医学中，六君子汤主要应用于哪些疾病？

现代临床和胃肠分泌及动力学药理研究表明，六君子汤广泛用于治疗功能性消化不良、慢性胃炎（浅表性与萎缩性）、妊娠恶阻（孕吐）、胃下垂、慢性肠炎及胃食管反流病的脾胃气虚兼痰湿内阻。针对饭后饱胀不适、胃脘痞闷、频繁打嗝、恶心呕吐、大便稀溏、面色萎黄、神疲乏力、舌质淡胖、舌苔白厚腻等症状，长期合理使用能提高胃排空速率，促进胃黏膜微循环，改善消化酶分泌并平稳中焦气机。

服用六君子汤有哪些严格的辨证禁忌？

本方温补健脾与温燥化湿之品，极易伤津耗阴，不适用于热证与阴虚证。禁用范围包括胃阴不足、肝肾阴虚（表现为胃脘隐痛、口干咽燥、知饥不食、手足心热、大便干结、舌红少苔或光红无苔者）。盲目使用会导致阴液干枯和胃脘灼痛加重。孕妇、哺乳期妇女用药须在专业中医师严密指导下谨慎、减量短时使用。服药期间应忌烟酒、辛辣、生冷及肥甘厚腻、黏滞难消化食物。不确定者请专业评估。

Qi-Tonifying Formulas

六君子汤 · Liù Jūn Zǐ Tāng

Liu Jun Zi Tang

Built upon Si Jun Zi Tang by adding Chen Pi and Ban Xia. It addresses Spleen Qi deficiency complicated by phlegm-damp, presenting with epigastric fullness, nausea, loose stools and greasy tongue coating.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryQi-Tonifying Formulas

Primary PatternSpleen Qi Deficiency

Primary FunctionTonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleTonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, dry dampness and resolve phlegm

Main HerbsGinseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Tangerine Peel · Pinellia Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice

Classical SourceYi Xue Zheng Zhuan (or derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Chen Pi + Ban Xia)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when Spleen Qi deficiency is complicated by phlegm-damp — copious sputum, nausea and fullness — adding phlegm-resolving action that Si Jun Zi Tang lacks, while stopping short of the Qi-moving emphasis of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang and the anti-diarrhoeal focus of Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.

Overview

What Is Liu Jun Zi Tang?

1. Background of Origin

Liu Jun Zi Tang (六君子汤), or Six Gentlemen Decoction, is a classical formula formed by combining Si Jun Zi Tang with the Phlegm-transforming pair Ban Xia and Chen Pi; it is recorded in Ming-dynasty texts such as Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan. It belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Spleen Qi and transform Phlegm-Damp.

This formula addresses Spleen Qi deficiency in which the Spleen fails to transform fluids, allowing Dampness to congeal into Phlegm. Typical signs include poor appetite, fullness or oppression in the epigastrium, loose stools, fatigue, cough with white phlegm or nausea, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a weak slippery pulse.

Combining Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Zhi Gan Cao to tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen (the Four Gentlemen core), with Ban Xia to transform Phlegm and descend rebellious Qi and Chen Pi to regulate Qi and dry Dampness, Liu Jun Zi Tang effectively replenishes Spleen Qi, resolves Phlegm-Damp, and restores the Middle Burner’s transporting function.

Liu Jun Zi Tang: Strengthening the Spleen, Boosting Qi, Drying Dampness and Resolving Phlegm — Precise Conditioning for Functional Dyspepsia, Chronic Gastritis, and Pregnancy Hyperemesis | HJMEDICAL

2. Digestive Disorders

Liu Jun Zi Tang's broad actions make it effective in various clinical scenarios, primarily focusing on strengthening the Spleen and resolving dampness to alleviate diverse symptoms.

Effectively treats chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers by improving Spleen-Stomach function, promoting peristalsis, and repairing gastric mucosa. Alleviates dull epigastric pain, poor appetite, nausea, and loose stools.

3. Respiratory System Disorders

Beneficial for chronic bronchitis and emphysema when presenting with Spleen-Stomach weakness and phlegm-damp obstruction. It reduces phlegm, eases cough, and improves overall respiratory function.

4. Other Conditions

Also prescribed for childhood anorexia (enhancing appetite and improving physical development) and elderly indigestion (strengthening resistance and improving quality of life) caused by Spleen-Stomach weakness.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Chief — Renshen (Ginseng)

The Chief herb, greatly tonifies original Qi, especially of the Spleen and Stomach, restoring digestive function and providing essential nutrients.

2. Deputy — Baizhu (Atractylodes)

The Deputy herb, strengthens the Spleen, boosts Qi, and effectively dries dampness, helping eliminate excess moisture from the digestive tract.

3. Assistant — Fuling & Chenpi

Assistant herbs, promotes urination to drain dampness, further strengthens the Spleen, and calms the spirit, complementing Baizhu's actions.

4. Assistant — Banxia (Pinellia)

Another Assistant herb, dries dampness, resolves phlegm, descends rebellious Qi, and stops vomiting, targeting phlegm-fluid retention due to Spleen weakness.

5. Envoy Herb — Zhigancao (Licorice)

The Envoy herb, harmonizes all ingredients, tonifies the Spleen, and boosts Qi, ensuring synergistic action and comprehensive Spleen-Stomach regulation.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism Analysis

Liu Jun Zi Tang targets Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency with concurrent internal phlegm-damp obstruction. When the Spleen is weak, impaired transportation and transformation leads to insufficient Qi-blood production and righteous-Qi depletion. Simultaneously, water-dampness stagnates and forms phlegm, which further disrupts Spleen function — creating a vicious cycle.

2. Summary of Actions of Liu Jun Zi Tang

Liu Jun Zi Tang acts by boosting Qi, strengthening the Spleen, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm. By greatly tonifying Spleen-Stomach Qi, it restores transportation and transformation function, ensuring sufficient Qi-blood production. It simultaneously eliminates phlegm-damp pathogens, breaking the cycle of obstruction and restoring overall health.

3. Indications

This formula is used for symptoms caused by a weak Spleen and phlegm-damp build-up:

Loss of appetite — the weakened Spleen fails to drive hunger or interest in food
Loose stools — undigested food and excess fluid pass through without proper absorption
Bloating or chest tightness — phlegm and dampness obstruct the digestive tract, creating a full, uncomfortable feeling
Nausea or vomiting — the Stomach, too weak to move food downward, causes Qi to rebel upward
Phlegmy cough — excess internal dampness rises to the lungs, producing mucus and persistent coughing

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Boosting Qi & Strengthening the Spleen

Three herbs work together to rebuild the body's core digestive strength. Renshen (Ginseng) replenishes vital energy throughout the body; Baizhu (Atractylodes) strengthens the digestive system and removes excess moisture that has built up; Zhigancao (Licorice) ties the formula together by harmonizing all the other herbs so they work in balance. As a trio, they restore the Spleen's ability to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and produce energy.

2. Resolving Phlegm & Eliminating Dampness

Two herbs target the visible symptoms of phlegm and excess fluid. Banxia (Pinellia) breaks down and clears accumulated phlegm from the body; Fuling (Poria) drains excess fluid out through urination while also calming the mind and giving extra support to the Spleen. Together, they remove the phlegm-damp blockage that was preventing the Spleen from functioning — clearing the way for full recovery.

Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction)

3. Overall Synergistic Action

The formula works on two levels at the same time. The first group of herbs rebuilds the body's underlying strength — restoring the Spleen's digestive power from the root. The second group clears the blockages — removing the phlegm and dampness that were causing symptoms. By tackling both the cause and the consequences together, the formula produces a fully restored digestive system and supports lasting health rather than just temporary relief.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Liu Jun Zi Tang	Si Jun Zi Tang	Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang	Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Primary Function	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp	Tonify Spleen Qi	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi	Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve dampness, stop diarrhoea
Formula Category	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas	Qi-Tonifying Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency	Spleen Qi Deficiency
Main Conditions	Poor Appetite, Bloating, Stomach Discomfort, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Excessive Mucus	Poor Appetite, Diarrhea, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Mental Fog	Poor Appetite, Bloating, Diarrhea, Stomach Discomfort, Indigestion, Spleen Qi Deficiency	Diarrhea, Poor Appetite, Bloating, Spleen Qi Deficiency
Main Herbs	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Tangerine Peel · Pinellia Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Tangerine Peel · Pinellia Rhizome · Aucklandia / Costus Root · Amomum Fruit · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginseng Root · White Atractylodes Rhizome · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice · Chinese Yam · White Hyacinth Bean · Lotus Seed · Coix Seed / Job's Tears · Amomum Fruit · Platycodon Root
Classical Source	Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (or derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Chen Pi + Ban Xia)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107)	Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)

How to tell them apart

Si Jun Zi Tang addresses pure deficiency. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds phlegm-resolving capacity. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang further moves Qi for marked bloating and stagnation. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is preferred when chronic diarrhoea and dampness are more prominent than phlegm.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Liu Jun Zi Tang

1. Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold

For pronounced cold symptoms, add Ganjiang (Dry Ginger) and Fuzi (Aconite). These herbs intensely warm the middle burner, dispel cold, and restore Yang, effectively alleviating abdominal pain and aversion to cold.

2. Pronounced Phlegm-Dampness

When phlegm and dampness are predominant, incorporate Cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea Rhizome) and Houpo (Magnolia Bark). These additions powerfully dry dampness and resolve phlegm, clearing excess moisture and discomfort from the body.

3. Concurrent Qi Stagnation

For symptoms like epigastric fullness and hypochondriac pain due to Qi stagnation, add Muxiang (Costus Root) and Foshou (Buddha's Hand Citron). These herbs regulate Qi, relieve pain, and harmonize the Stomach, ensuring more comprehensive treatment.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

The actions of Liu Jun Zi Tang are boosting qi and strengthening the spleen, regulating qi, drying dampness and resolving phlegm, and harmonising the middle to resolve phlegm; its indications include cough with profuse phlegm, cough with profuse, white phlegm, poor appetite with loose stools, diarrhoea, chest and epigastric fullness, nausea and vomiting, and vomiting during pregnancy, among others, and it falls within the category of qi-tonifying formulas. Its herb composition includes Renshen, Baizhu, Fuling, Zhigancao, Chenpi, Banxia, Sharen, and Shanzha. Liu Jun Zi Tang is suited to spleen-stomach qi deficiency, qi deficiency with concurrent phlegm-dampness, phlegm-damp patterns, and spleen-stomach qi deficiency with concurrent phlegm-damp pattern, presenting with a pale tongue and white coating, and a soft, moderate pulse. It is used in modern practice for gastritis, chronic enteritis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, gastroptosis, and gastric atony; pregnant women and children should note the contraindications for Liu Jun Zi Tang when using it. It is built on the foundation of Sijunzi Tang. Pharmacological Actions:

Gastrointestinal Regulation: Enhances peristalsis, digestion, absorption, and mucosal repair.
Immune Modulation: Strengthens the body's disease resistance.
Nervous System Balance: Alleviates low spirits and insomnia related to Spleen-Stomach weakness.

2. Clinical Research Findings

Contemporary scientific investigations confirm Liu Jun Zi Tang's traditional efficacy, revealing its mechanisms at a molecular and clinical level.

Functional Dyspepsia: Significantly improves symptoms, increases gastric emptying rate, and boosts GI motility.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Stable Phase): Improves lung function, enhances quality of life, and reduces acute exacerbations.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Precautions

While taking Liu Jun Zi Tang, attention should be paid to maintaining a light diet, avoiding raw, cold, greasy, and spicy irritating foods. Raw and cold foods such as ice cream and cold drinks readily damage spleen-stomach yang qi, affecting the formula's therapeutic effect. Greasy foods are difficult to digest and increase the burden on the spleen and stomach. Spicy foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, worsening the condition.

2. Special Populations

Use Liu Jun Zi Tang with caution in pregnancy. Although most of the herbs in the formula are relatively mild, a pregnant woman's constitution is special, and medication requires caution. Whether to use it should be decided under a physician's guidance, according to specific circumstances. In addition, the dosage for children should be appropriately adjusted according to age and condition, generally lower than the adult dosage.

3. Changes in Condition

If changes in the condition occur while taking Liu Jun Zi Tang, such as worsening symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms, the medication should be discontinued promptly and medical attention sought, so the treatment plan can be adjusted. One should not blindly continue taking the medication on one's own, so as not to delay the condition.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $19.37

HJMEDICAL Nong's Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $56.60

Nong's Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Plus) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $76.93

Hoi Tin Xiang Sha Liu Jun Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Plus) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $26.32

FAQ

Questions About Liu Jun Zi Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Liu Jun Zi Tang?

Liu Jun Zi Tang has the actions of strengthening the Spleen, tonifying Qi, drying Dampness, and transforming Phlegm. It is Si Jun Zi Tang with Chen Pi and Ban Xia added for Spleen Qi deficiency complicated by Phlegm-Damp.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Liu Jun Zi Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency with Phlegm-Damp, including chronic gastritis or functional dyspepsia with nausea and fullness, chronic loose stools, chronic bronchitis or cough with white phlegm of Spleen-Lung deficiency type, and recovery from illness with poor appetite and easy production of Phlegm.

Q3: Is Liu Jun Zi Tang suitable for improving fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and white phlegm?

For presentations of tiredness, reduced appetite, epigastric fullness, nausea or vomiting of thin fluids, loose stools, cough with white easy-to-expectorate phlegm, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a weak or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen Qi deficiency generating Phlegm-Damp — TCM commonly applies Liu Jun Zi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of chronic digestive or respiratory disease.

Q4: Who should not take Liu Jun Zi Tang?

Those with Heat-Phlegm (yellow sticky sputum), Yin deficiency dryness, or excess Damp-Heat in the Middle Jiao are generally not suitable. The formula is warm and drying; it can aggravate Heat and further injure Yin. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why are Chen Pi and Ban Xia added to Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang tonifies Spleen Qi but does not strongly treat already-formed Phlegm-Damp. Ban Xia dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, and descends rebellious Qi to stop nausea. Chen Pi regulates Qi and dries Dampness so the tonic herbs do not become cloying. Together they turn a pure Qi tonic into a formula that both rebuilds the Spleen and clears the Phlegm it has generated.

Q6: How does Liu Jun Zi Tang differ from Si Jun Zi Tang or Er Chen Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang is for Spleen Qi deficiency without much Phlegm (fatigue and poor appetite predominate). Er Chen Tang transforms Damp-Phlegm without strongly tonifying Qi. Liu Jun Zi Tang combines both strategies and is chosen when deficiency and Phlegm-Damp are present together — the most common chronic Spleen picture.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Liu Jun Zi Tang?

The formula consists of Ren Shen (or Dang Shen) to tonify Qi; Bai Zhu to strengthen the Spleen and dry Dampness; Fu Ling to leach Dampness and support the Spleen; Zhi Gan Cao to tonify and harmonize; plus Chen Pi to regulate Qi and dry Dampness; and Ban Xia to transform Phlegm and descend rebellious Qi. Sheng Jiang and Da Zao are often added in decoction.

Q8: Is Liu Jun Zi Tang suitable for long-term use?

It is commonly used for a sustained course in chronic Spleen deficiency with Phlegm-Damp under professional supervision. Because Ban Xia and Chen Pi are drying, Yin and fluid status should be monitored. If Heat signs or dryness appear, the formula should be modified. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is a further variation when Qi stagnation is more prominent.

Q9: Can Liu Jun Zi Tang help both digestive weakness and a chronic white-phlegm cough?

Yes. The Spleen is the source of Phlegm; when Spleen Qi fails, Dampness gathers and can store in the Lung. Strengthening the Spleen and transforming Phlegm therefore addresses poor appetite and loose stools as well as a chronic cough with white phlegm when both belong to the same deficiency-Damp pattern.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Liu Jun Zi Tang?

Eating warm, cooked, regular meals, reducing raw-cold, greasy, and sweet foods that generate Damp-Phlegm, and avoiding overwork that further consumes Spleen Qi all support the formula. Persistent vomiting, bloody stool, or progressive weight loss should be properly evaluated.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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