【Source】
《Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang (1110)》，《Jiaozhu Furen Liangfang (1237)》，《Yixue Zhengchuan (1515)》Volume 3, citing 《Jufang》.
【Ingredients】
Ren Shen (Ginseng)，Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome)，Fu Ling (Poria)，Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)，Gan Cao (Licorice Root)，Chen Pi (Citrus Peel)，Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger)，Da Zao (Jujube/Chinese Date)
(8)
【Category】
<Regulating Qi>：Chen Pi (Citrus Peel)
<Tonifying the Spleen and Middle Jiao>：Gan Cao (Licorice Root)、Da Zao (Jujube/Chinese Date)、Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome)
<Tonifying Qi>：Ren Shen (Ginseng)
<Releasing the Exterior with Acrid Warm Herbs>：Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger)
<Strengthening the Spleen and Promoting Diuresis>：Fu Ling (Poria)
<Transforming Phlegm>：Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome)
【Formula Meaning】
《Yifang Kao》: In robust individuals, the Qi flows smoothly and they recover; in weak individuals, the Qi stagnates and illness develops. The soil in the Southeast is low and damp, and everyone has phlegm, but those who are not ill have strong Qi sufficient to move their phlegm. If the middle Qi is deficient, it is insufficient to transport the phlegm, and phlegm syndrome appears. This formula contains Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao, which are the Four Gentlemen, used to tonify Qi. Ban Xia dries dampness to resolve phlegm, and Chen Pi regulates Qi to move phlegm. It is called the Six Gentlemen Decoction to indicate that Ban Xia is not toxic and Chen Pi is not overpowering, and that they can be compared in virtue to Ren Shen, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, and Gan Cao! 《Han Dian》: This is the combined power of Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction). It is used for those with a weak gastrointestinal tract, resembling the symptoms of Si Jun Zi Tang but stronger, and also having water retention in the stomach. The Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao in the formula, which comprise Si Jun Zi Tang, can strengthen the gastrointestinal function and help with digestion and absorption. Chen Pi, when paired with Ren Shen, can increase appetite; Ban Xia, Bai Zhu, and Fu Ling, when paired, can remove water retention in the gastrointestinal tract.
【Functions】
Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the stomach, dries dampness and transforms phlegm, regulates Qi and descends counterflow.
【Indications】
Weakness of the spleen and stomach, poor appetite, inability to digest, easy fatigue, Qi counterflow and phlegm stagnation, chest fullness and abdominal distension, weakness, poor appetite with loose stools, cough with phlegm that is white, thin, and clear, shortness of breath and stifling fullness, nausea, belching, acid regurgitation, sallow complexion, lassitude in the limbs, cold hands and feet (a deficiency pattern); as well as spleen deficiency with distension, chronic non-healing sores, poor appetite and weak stomach, acid regurgitation, dizziness, and stifling sensation.
【Indications (Western Medical Diagnosis)】
Chronic gastritis, indigestion, weak stomach, loss of appetite after illness, vomiting, peptic ulcer, diarrhea. Chronic nephritis, chronic bronchitis, chyluria, hyperemesis gravidarum, etc.
【Contraindications】
Contraindicated in cases of true Yin deficiency.
【Mnemonic】
Old ministers accompany the Four Gentlemen (Chen Pi and Ban Xia).
【Modifications】
(1) If thirsty, add Gan Ge (Kudzu Root) and Wu Mei (Mume Fruit); (2) If there is spontaneous bowel movement, add Chen Pi, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit), and Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg); (3) If there is residual heat, add Yin Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root). 《Han Dian》: Add Chai Hu and Shao Yao (Peony Root) for cases with the symptoms of Liu Jun Zi Tang and with contracture or pain of the rectus abdominis muscle.
【Pharmacology】
Mainly has the effects of regulating gastrointestinal motility, anti-gastric ulcer, anti-gastric mucosal damage, and regulating immunity.