四君子汤有什么功效?

四君子汤主要功效是补气健脾，改善脾胃气虚引起的乏力、食欲不振、便溏腹胀等症状，同时有助于祛湿渗湿，调理体内湿邪，促进气血生化。

四君子汤可以用党参吗？

是的，党参性甘平，补气作用较温和，是人参的优质替代品，适合体质虚弱但又怕上火的人群长期调理时使用。古方中也有“古方用人参，如无力，以西党参代之”的记载。

四君子汤的方解是什么?

四君子汤由人参（君药，大补元气）、白术（臣药，健脾燥湿）、茯苓（佐药，渗湿健脾安神）、炙甘草（使药，调和诸药、益气补中）组成，遵循君臣佐使配伍原则，共同实现补气健脾、化湿开胃的功效。

Qi-Tonifying Formulas

四君子汤 · Sì Jūn Zǐ Tāng

Si Jun Zi Tang

The foundational Qi-tonifying formula for pure Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency. It rebuilds the transformation and transportation function of the Spleen without addressing significant dampness or phlegm.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryQi-Tonifying Formulas

Primary PatternSpleen Qi Deficiency

Primary FunctionTonify Spleen Qi

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleTonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen

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

Classical SourceTai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for pure Spleen Qi deficiency without complicating phlegm, dampness or stagnation — the plain tonifying base from which Liu Jun Zi Tang departs by adding Ban Xia and Chen Pi for phlegm-damp, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang departs further when bloating from Qi stagnation predominates.

Overview

What Is Si Jun Zi Tang?

1. Background of Origin

Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤), or Four Gentlemen Decoction, is a classical Song-dynasty formula from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era). It belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Spleen and Stomach Qi.

This foundational formula addresses Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency, in which the Middle Burner is too weak to transform food and raise the clear. Typical signs include poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, a pale complexion, a weak voice, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a deficient or weak pulse.

Combining Ren Shen as the chief herb to strongly tonify Qi and strengthen the Spleen, Bai Zhu to dry Dampness and reinforce the Spleen’s transporting function, Fu Ling to leach Dampness and assist the Spleen, and Zhi Gan Cao to tonify Qi and harmonize the Middle, Si Jun Zi Tang effectively replenishes Qi, strengthens the Spleen, and restores the foundation of postnatal essence. It is also the parent formula from which Liu Jun Zi Tang, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, and many other Qi-tonifying prescriptions are derived.

2. Digestive System Disorders

Si Jun Zi Tang's broad efficacy stems from its ability to address underlying spleen–stomach qi deficiency, making it valuable across various clinical presentations beyond digestive complaints.

Widely applied in conditions like chronic gastroenteritis and dyspepsia due to spleen–stomach qi deficiency, it alleviates symptoms such as abdominal distention, poor appetite, and loose stools by enhancing digestive function. It also aids in pediatric malnutrition (ganji) by restoring appetite and supporting healthy growth.

3. Respiratory System Disorders

As an adjunct for chronic cough or shortness of breath accompanied by spleen–stomach qi deficiency, Si Jun Zi Tang strengthens upright qi and immunity. By regulating the spleen and fortifying lung qi, it can help reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections and improve overall pulmonary function.

4. Other Conditions

For constitutionally weak individuals or those experiencing chronic fatigue due to spleen–stomach qi deficiency, it provides general tonification, promoting qi and blood generation. It also supports recovery in chronic diseases or post-chemotherapy/radiotherapy by improving digestion and enhancing overall resilience and quality of life.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Monarch (Jun): Ginseng

Ginseng (Ren Shen) is the monarch herb, powerfully tonifying yuan qi, strengthening the spleen and benefiting the lungs, generating fluids, and calming the spirit. It's sweet and slightly bitter, mildly warm, entering the spleen, lung, heart, and kidney channels. Rich in ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and amino acids, it enhances spleen–stomach function, promoting digestion and absorption to replenish qi and blood. This alleviates fatigue, improves appetite, reduces abdominal distention, and resolves loose stools.

2. Minister (Chen): Atractylodes Macrocephala

Atractylodes Macrocephala (Bai Zhu) serves as the minister herb, fortifying the spleen and tonifying qi, drying dampness, promoting water metabolism, stopping sweating, and stabilizing pregnancy. Sweet and bitter, warm in nature, it enters the spleen and stomach channels. Its primary components include volatile oils and polysaccharides. Bai Zhu synergizes with Ginseng to boost qi-tonification and spleen-strengthening, effectively managing water-damp accumulation from spleen deficiency, such as abdominal distention, diarrhea, or edema. It also stabilizes the exterior to prevent spontaneous sweating due to qi deficiency.

3. Assistant (Zuo): Poria (Fu Ling)

Poria (Fu Ling) acts as the assistant herb, promoting urination, leaching out dampness, strengthening the spleen, and calming the spirit. Sweet and bland, neutral in nature, it enters the heart, lung, spleen, and kidney channels. Key constituents are poria polysaccharides and poricoic acids. Poria aids in eliminating excess water and dampness, reducing the spleen's burden. Alongside Bai Zhu, it enhances diuretic effects, making the formula suitable for spleen deficiency with internal damp retention. Additionally, Poria calms the spirit, improving insomnia or mental restlessness linked to spleen–stomach weakness, thus harmonizing damp metabolism and spirit.

4. Envoy (Shi): Honey‑Fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao)

Honey-Fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao) is the envoy herb, tonifying the spleen and qi, moistening the lung, stopping cough, relieving pain, and harmonizing the other herbs. Sweet and neutral, it enters the heart, lung, spleen, and stomach channels, containing glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetic acid. Zhi Gan Cao reinforces the spleen-strengthening effects of Ginseng and Bai Zhu while ensuring the synergistic action of all herbs. It moderates strong properties, protecting the spleen and stomach from harsh medicinals, and its moistening, cough-relieving qualities address lung-qi insufficiency that may accompany spleen–stomach deficiency.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis: Spleen–Stomach Qi Deficiency

The core pathomechanism for which Si Jun Zi Tang is prescribed is spleen–stomach qi deficiency. This deficiency impairs the digestive organs' ability to properly transport and transform nutrients, leading to poor appetite, abdominal distention, and loose stools. As the primary source of qi and blood generation, a weak spleen and stomach result in insufficient production of these vital substances, manifesting as fatigue, shortness of breath, and a sallow complexion. This also weakens the body's overall immunity, making individuals more vulnerable to illness.

2. Functions: Tonify Qi & Strengthen Spleen

Si Jun Zi Tang's main functions are to vigorously tonify qi and strengthen the spleen. By addressing the root cause, it restores the spleen–stomach's transportive and transformative capabilities, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. This re-establishes the fundamental source for qi and blood production, gradually alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and poor complexion. Moreover, by replenishing qi, the formula boosts the body's immune system, increasing resistance to various diseases and promoting overall resilience.

3. Indications: Clinical Presentations

Si Jun Zi Tang is indicated for spleen–stomach qi deficiency characterized by a pale or sallow complexion, low voice, general fatigue, and shortness of breath. Digestive symptoms include poor appetite and loose stools. Typical diagnostic signs include a pale tongue with a thin white coating and a weak pulse. This formula is often used for conditions like chronic gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, and pediatric malnutrition (ganji) when aligned with this pattern. It also serves as a strengthening agent to prevent recurrent illnesses in individuals with identified spleen–stomach qi deficiency.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Synergy: Tonifying Qi & Strengthening Spleen

Ginseng strongly tonifies original qi, while Atractylodes reinforces spleen qi and dries dampness. Together, they form the core of the formula, directly replenishing spleen–stomach qi and enhancing its transportive function. Poria assists by promoting diuresis and leaching dampness, supporting Atractylodes and addressing damp retention. Honey-fried Licorice harmonizes the other herbs, augmenting their spleen-strengthening effects and ensuring a synergistic action to restore optimal nutrient absorption.

2. Holistic Regulation Strategy

Beyond local spleen–stomach support, Si Jun Zi Tang recognizes these organs as the "postnatal root" for qi and blood generation. By restoring their function, the formula enables proper processing and distribution of nutritive essences throughout the body, promoting overall zangfu coordination. This holistic approach enhances immunity, improves resilience against external factors, and underscores TCM's principle of interconnected body systems, fostering comprehensive health and preventing disease.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

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

How to tell them apart

Si Jun Zi Tang is the base formula for pure Spleen Qi deficiency. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds Ban Xia and Chen Pi when phlegm-damp is present. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San further addresses chronic diarrhoea and dampness. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is chosen when Qi stagnation and bloating predominate.

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

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Si Jun Zi Tang

1. Spleen–Stomach Cold from Deficiency

For prominent signs such as cold epigastric pain relieved by warmth, bland taste, and cold limbs, warming herbs like Gan Jiang (dried ginger) and Fu Zi (aconite) are added. Gan Jiang warms the middle and disperses cold, while Fu Zi strongly assists yang and warms spleen and kidney. These additions significantly bolster the formula's ability to warm the middle burner and dispel cold.

2. Concurrent Qi Stagnation

When qi stagnation coexists, manifesting as epigastric/abdominal distention and frequent belching, qi-moving herbs such as Mu Xiang and Hou Po are incorporated. Mu Xiang moves qi, alleviates pain, and aids digestion, while Hou Po dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and relieves fullness. These herbs enhance the formula’s qi-regulating and moving actions, providing relief from stagnation while maintaining qi tonification.

3. Marked Qi and Blood Deficiency

If both qi and blood deficiency are pronounced (e.g., pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia), blood-nourishing herbs like Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Bai Shao, and Chuan Xiong are added. This modification essentially transforms Si Jun Zi Tang into Ba Zhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction), which comprehensively tonifies both qi and blood, addressing a broader range of constitutional weaknesses.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Digestive System Support

Research indicates Si Jun Zi Tang regulates gastrointestinal motility, enhancing peristalsis and digestive juice secretion. It protects gastric mucosa, promoting repair for conditions like gastritis and ulcers, alleviating dyspepsia, abdominal distention, and diarrhea. These effects are linked to modulation of GI hormones and immune function.

2. Immune System Enhancement

Studies show Si Jun Zi Tang boosts host immunity by increasing lymphocyte transformation rates and serum immunoglobulin levels, strengthening both cellular and humoral responses. This leads to improved resistance to infections, reduced frequency of colds, and faster recovery, highlighting its immunomodulatory potential.

3. Emerging Therapeutic Areas

Preliminary research explores its effects on the nervous system (mild sedative, calming) and cardiovascular system (improving myocardial ischemia). Investigations also touch on potential anti-tumor and anti-aging mechanisms. These areas offer promising new directions for understanding and applying Si Jun Zi Tang.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Patterns to Avoid & Yin‑Deficient Caution

Si Jun Zi Tang is for spleen–stomach qi deficiency and contraindicated in excess patterns (spleen–stomach damp‑heat or food stagnation) as it may worsen dampness, heat, or retention. Use caution in yin‑deficient patients (dry mouth, night sweats, tidal fever); because the formula is relatively warm, modify with nourishing‑yin herbs under professional guidance if both qi deficiency and yin deficiency coexist.

2. Dietary Restrictions

While taking Si Jun Zi Tang, avoid raw/cold, greasy, and spicy foods (which injure spleen yang, burden digestion, or generate heat). Follow a light, easily digestible diet (e.g., rice porridge, noodles, cooked vegetables) to support spleen–stomach recovery and treatment effect.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $65.16

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

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

Nong's Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $54.46

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

FAQ

Questions About Si Jun Zi Tang

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

Si Jun Zi Tang has the actions of tonifying Qi and strengthening the Spleen. It is the foundational formula for Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency and the parent of many later Qi-tonifying prescriptions.

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

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency, including chronic gastritis or functional dyspepsia with poor appetite, fatigue after illness, mild chronic loose stools, and weak recovery of digestive function without prominent Cold or Phlegm.

Q3: Is Si Jun Zi Tang suitable for improving fatigue, poor appetite, and loose stools?

For presentations of a pale or sallow complexion, tiredness, reduced appetite, a soft abdomen, loose or unformed stools, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen-Stomach Qi deficiency — TCM commonly applies Si Jun Zi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of anemia, malabsorption, or other medical causes of fatigue and poor appetite.

Q4: Who should not take Si Jun Zi Tang?

Those with excess Heat, Damp-Heat, or Yin deficiency with empty Fire are generally not suitable as a standalone formula. Pure Qi tonics can feel cloying if Dampness or Phlegm is already marked, and they do not address interior Cold as strongly as Li Zhong Tang. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why are these four herbs called the “Four Gentlemen”?

Ren Shen (or Dang Shen) tonifies original Qi and strengthens the Spleen. Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness. Fu Ling leaches Dampness and supports the Spleen without being harsh. Zhi Gan Cao tonifies the Middle and harmonizes. The combination is even, moderate, and not aggressive — hence “gentlemen” — and became the standard template for later Qi tonics.

Q6: How does Si Jun Zi Tang differ from Liu Jun Zi Tang, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, or Li Zhong Tang?

Liu Jun Zi Tang adds Chen Pi and Ban Xia when Phlegm-Damp and nausea are present. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San adds more Spleen-supporting and Damp-leaching herbs when loose stools and Damp encumbrance dominate. Li Zhong Tang replaces Fu Ling with Gan Jiang when interior Cold is the main problem. Si Jun Zi Tang is the simplest Qi tonic when deficiency is primary and Cold or Phlegm is not yet prominent.

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

The classical four-ingredient formula consists of Ren Shen (often substituted with Dang Shen in modern practice) to tonify Qi; Bai Zhu to strengthen the Spleen and dry Dampness; Fu Ling to leach Dampness and quiet the Spirit; and Zhi Gan Cao to tonify the Middle and harmonize. Sheng Jiang and Da Zao are sometimes added in decoction.

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

Yes, it is commonly used for a sustained course in chronic Spleen Qi deficiency under professional supervision. If Dampness, Phlegm, or Cold becomes more obvious, the formula is usually expanded rather than continued in its four-herb form. It should be paused during an exterior invasion such as a common cold.

Q9: Can Si Jun Zi Tang help both digestive weakness and a pale complexion with low energy?

Yes. The Spleen is the source of Qi and Blood after birth. When Spleen Qi is weak, food is not transformed, so energy, complexion, and stool quality all decline together. Tonifying Spleen Qi addresses this whole cluster when the pattern is simple deficiency rather than Heat, severe Cold, or Phlegm.

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

Eating warm, cooked, regular meals, reducing raw-cold foods and irregular eating, and avoiding overwork that further consumes Spleen Qi all support the formula. Persistent unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or progressive fatigue 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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