Liu Jun Zi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
六君子汤 · Liù Jūn Zǐ Tāng
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.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Qi, strengthen the Spleen, dry dampness and resolve phlegm
- Classical Source
- Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (or derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Chen Pi + Ban Xia)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
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.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| 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 | Poor Appetite ·Diarrhea ·Spleen Qi Deficiency | Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort | Diarrhea ·Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Spleen Qi Deficiency |
| Main Herbs | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Honey-fried Licorice ·Chinese Yam |
| 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) |
Clinical Perspective
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.
Related Articles
Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction): The Classic TCM Formula for Strengthening the Spleen and Resolving Phlegm
Related Products
Hoi Tin Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Browse all classical formulas →
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.