【Origin】

From “Discussions on Famous Medical Formulas of Past and Present (1675)” and “Compendium of Medical Formulas (1682)”, Volume 1, citing Ke Yunbo’s formula.

 【Composition】

Costus Root (Mu Xiang), <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/砂仁/’>Cardamom Seed (Sha Ren), Ginseng (Ren Shen), (prepared) Pinellia Tuber (Ban Xia), Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Bai Zhu), Poria Cocos (Fu Ling), (honey-fried) Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
(8)

 【Classification】

<Regulating Qi>: Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Costus Root (Mu Xiang)

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Bai Zhu)

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng (Ren Shen)

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Water Metabolism>: Poria Cocos (Fu Ling)

<Aromatically Drying Dampness>: <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/砂仁/’>Cardamom Seed (Sha Ren)

<Transforming Phlegm>: Pinellia Tuber (Ban Xia)

【Formula Analysis】

From “Shan Bu”: This is a general formula for the Qi aspect of the Four Gentlemen. Ginseng harmonizes and vitalizes Qi, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome strengthens the Middle Jiao, Poria Cocos clears and regulates, and Licorice Root harmonizes the five Zang organs. Once the Stomach Qi is treated, how can illness persist? However, to resolve chaos and restore order, passive treatment is insufficient. One must employ strong Qi-moving herbs to assist, preventing the tonifying herbs from becoming stagnant and ineffective. Therefore, Tangerine Peel is added to facilitate the upward Qi of the Lung Metal, and Pinellia Tuber is added to unblock the damp Qi from the upper Spleen, thus phlegm and fluid accumulation can be eliminated. Costus Root is added to move stagnant Qi in the Three Jiao, and Cardamom Seed is added to open the Yuan Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys, thus depression and stagnation can be resolved. When the monarch (Four Gentlemen) is supported by the four ministers (added herbs), their efficacy is doubled. When the four ministers serve the monarch, the Yuan Qi is greatly strengthened, and they mutually enhance each other.

 【Functions】

Strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain.

 【Indications】

(1) Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, middle Jiao deficiency with Qi stagnation, cold-dampness obstructing the Middle Jiao, internal obstruction of phlegm-dampness, fullness and distension in the chest, abdominal distension and fullness, difficulty in digesting food, abdominal pain, poor appetite, belching, vomiting, diarrhea, white greasy tongue coating. (2) Applicable to Liu Jun Zi Tang syndrome: characterized by epigastric blockage, Qi stagnation, loss of appetite, especially noticeable, and accompanied by undigested food. From “Shan Bu”: Qi deficiency with phlegm-fluid, vomiting, epigastric fullness and distension, disharmony of the Spleen and Stomach, leading to various symptoms.

 【Therapeutic Indications】

Epigastric pain, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis.

 【Mnemonic】

Liu Jun Zi Tang + Xiang (Costus Root) Sha (Cardamom Seed) + Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber).