Si Jun Zi Tang
Star四君子汤 (Four Gentlemen Decoction)
Source: Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is the foundational formula for tonifying Spleen and Stomach Qi. Its four herbs — Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Gan Cao — gently yet effectively strengthen the middle burner. As the basis for dozens of derivative formulas, it is essential in TCM for all patterns rooted in Spleen Qi deficiency.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ren Shen | 9g | 27.27% | Jun (Chief) | Powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi, benefits Spleen and Stomach. |
| Bai Zhu | 9g | 27.27% | Chen (Deputy) | Tonifies Spleen Qi, dries dampness, strengthens middle burner. |
| Fu Ling | 9g | 27.27% | Zuo (Assistant) | Drains dampness through leaching, supports Spleen Qi. |
| Gan Cao | 6g | 18.18% | Shi (Envoy) | Tonifies Qi, harmonizes all herbs in the formula. |
Total weight: 36g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.55)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 46%, warm 55%.
Taste
- sweet 59%
- bitter 27%
- bland 14%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Lung 73%
- Heart 73%
- Kidney 55%
- Stomach 46%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Decoct all herbs in water for 20–30 minutes. Take warm in 2 doses/day.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day. Pills: 6–9g twice daily. May be taken long-term.
Conditions Addressed
Relationships
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Formula family
A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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