SI JUN ZI TANG

Tonify Spleen Qi & Strengthen the Middle • The Foundation of Vitality

Symptoms

Digestive Weakness: Poor appetite, mild abdominal distension (bloating) that feels worse after eating, and a tendency toward loose or watery stools.

Systemic Fatigue: General weakness, lack of energy, and a desire to lie down or rest frequently.

Respiratory "Weakness": Shortness of breath or a voice that lacks "power" (since the Spleen provides the "fuel" for Lung Qi).

Malnourishment Signs: A pale, lackluster complexion and thin limbs due to the body's inability to transform food into Blood and flesh.

Key Indicator: "Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency"—where the "Middle Burner" pivot has become slow and inefficient, failing to extract essence from food.

Tongue: Pale body, possibly with teeth marks on the sides.

Pulse: Weak (Xu) or Thready (Xi), especially in the middle (Spleen) position.

Ingredients

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)

Raw Herbs 9g   | Granules 27.2g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs 9g   | Granules 27.3g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs 9g   | Granules 27.2g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata)

Raw Herbs 6g   | Granules 18.2g

Description

Si Jun Zi Tang is named the "Four Gentlemen" because its actions are mild, balanced, and upright—it tonifies without being cloying and dries without being harsh.

Restarting the Engine: In TCM, the Spleen is the "Source of Post-Natal Qi." When it is weak, the entire body's energy production drops. This formula focuses entirely on restoring that production line.

The Dampness Strategy: The Spleen "likes dryness and hates dampness." By including Bai Zhu and Fu Ling, the formula clears away the "fog" of mild dampness that often naturally accumulates when the Spleen Qi is too weak to move fluids.

Foundational Versatility: Because it is so balanced, it is the base for more complex formulas like Liu Jun Zi Tang (for Phlegm) or Ba Zhen Tang (for Blood).

Posology

Granules

3 to 9g daily, divided into 2 doses, taken with warm water.

Raw Plants

Decoct in 800ml of water. For chronic weakness, it is best taken on an empty stomach before breakfast and lunch to allow the "Middle Burner" to absorb the tonifying properties directly.

Cautions

Not indicated for Excess conditions or Damp-Heat. If the tongue is very red or has a thick yellow greasy coating, this formula will "trap" the heat and make the patient feel more bloated. Use with caution in cases of Yin Deficiency (night sweats, dry mouth), as the drying nature of Bai Zhu and Fu Ling may aggravate dryness.