Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
香砂六君子汤 · Xiāng Shā Liù Jūn Zǐ Tāng
A classical Qi-tonifying and digestive formula that builds upon Liu Jun Zi Tang by adding aromatic Qi-moving herbs. It addresses Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency complicated by phlegm-damp and Qi stagnation.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Strengthen the Spleen, tonify Qi, dry dampness, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi and harmonize the Stomach
- Classical Source
- Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical Qi-tonifying and digestive formula that builds upon Liu Jun Zi Tang by adding aromatic Qi-moving herbs. It addresses Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency complicated by phlegm-damp and Qi stagnation.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when spleen-stomach qi deficiency is accompanied by qi stagnation — epigastric fullness and belching — offering more qi-regulating action than Liu Jun Zi Tang, while addressing local stagnation rather than the sunken middle qi and prolapse-type presentation that calls for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
陳皮Chen Pi3g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
半夏Ban Xia4.5g
Pinellia Rhizome- transforms phlegm
木香Mu Xiang6g
Aucklandia / Costus Root- moves qi in the middle jiao and intestines and relieves pain
砂仁Sha Ren5g
Amomum Fruit- moves qi
- transforms dampness and calms the fetus
Classical Composition
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 9g
- Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 6g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 3g
- Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia) 4.5g
- Radix Aucklandiae (Mu Xiang) 6g
- Fructus Amomi (Sha Ren) 5g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Fortifies the spleen and boosts qi
- dries dampness and resolves phlegm
- moves qi and harmonizes the stomach.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for spleen-stomach qi deficiency complicated by phlegm-damp and qi stagnation.
- Signs and symptoms include vomiting with a stifling epigastric sensation, poor appetite, abdominal distension and pain, emaciation with fatigue, or deficient-qi puffiness.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale with a white greasy coating, and the pulse is deficient.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to spleen and stomach qi deficiency in which transportation and transformation fail.
- When the middle jiao is weak, food and fluids are not properly transformed, phlegm-damp may be generated, and qi may stagnate locally in the stomach and intestines.
- On a background of spleen qi deficiency, phlegm-damp and local qi stagnation produce epigastric fullness, vomiting of sputum-like fluid, poor appetite and fatigue.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to fortify the spleen, boost qi, and, where needed, dry dampness or move stagnant qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to strengthen the Spleen, tonify Qi, dry dampness, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi and harmonize the Stomach.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, Liu Jun Zi Tang and Si Jun Zi Tang form a progressive family of Spleen Qi tonics. Si Jun Zi Tang addresses pure Spleen Qi deficiency. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds Ban Xia and Chen Pi for phlegm-damp. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang further adds Mu Xiang and Sha Ren for Qi stagnation and marked distension.
Clinical Differentiation
- Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is used when spleen-stomach qi deficiency is complicated by phlegm-damp and marked qi stagnation.
- The clinical pattern is poor appetite, epigastric fullness, belching or nausea, and a greasy coating.
- It is the next step after Liu Jun Zi Tang: Mu Xiang and Sha Ren are added specifically for distension that plain qi tonification does not move.
- It is not the first choice for sunken middle qi with prolapse, which is the domain of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.
Safety notes: This formula is warm and drying. It is not appropriate when poor appetite comes from yin deficiency heat or from blazing stomach fire.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang?
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang has the actions of strengthening the Spleen, tonifying Qi, regulating Qi, drying Dampness, and transforming Phlegm. It is Liu Jun Zi Tang with Mu Xiang and Sha Ren added when deficiency is accompanied by more Qi stagnation and focal distention.
Which modern diseases is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp-Phlegm and Qi stagnation, including functional dyspepsia or chronic gastritis with fullness and belching, chronic loose stools with bloating, nausea after meals, and weak digestion after illness when food sits in the Stomach.
Is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang suitable for improving fullness, belching, poor appetite, and loose stools?
For presentations of epigastric or abdominal fullness, belching, reduced appetite, nausea, loose stools, fatigue, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a weak or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen Qi deficiency with Damp-Phlegm and Qi stagnation — TCM commonly applies Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of ulcer, obstruction, or other digestive disease.
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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.