Four Major Herb Combination

Origin of SI JUN ZI TANG - Four-Gentleman

Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era

In Chinese Confucian culture, the number four is thought to be universally harmonious, and a 'gentlemen' or 'noblemen' is seen a person not given to extremes and who exhibits wise and ideal behavior.  The four herbs in this formula are mild and understood to work harmoniously together to Tonify the Qi, thus the term 'Four Gentlemen' or 'four nobles'.

SI JUN ZI TANG - Four-Gentleman's TCM Uses

This formula is seldom used alone, and is usually combined in formula with other herbs depending on intended use.

• Tonifies the Qi
• Tonifies the Spleen
• Increases poor appetite

- Common neurasthenia, chronic gastritis, stomach ulcer, peptic ulcer, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes mellitus, uterine fibroid

SI JUN ZI TANG Ingredients

SI JUN ZI TANG Modifications

• For bloating, add XIANG FU, and MU XIANG
• For nausea add SHA REN, CHEN PI, HOU PO
• For edema and swelling, add WU PI YIN
• For uterine fibroids, add E ZHU, SAN LENG, and, NIU XI

see LIU JUN ZI TANG (6 gentlemen)

SI JUN ZI TANG Safety and Contraindications

• Overuse can cause heat, resulting in dryness, thirst, constipation, and irritability.
• Four-Gentleman should be modified in cases with pronounced heat, including fever and heat from Yin deficiency.

Though Si Jun Zi is considered mild and safe, pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before taking any supplement.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is powerful and reliable, but it can be complex. As TCM is not based on symptoms alone, self-diagnosis and self-treatment aren't recommended. Best to start a low cost online-herbal-consultation.

SI JUN ZI TANG Dosage and Administration

Tablets: 4-6 tablets taken 2-3 times a day, or as prescribed.

Granules: The dose is 6 -10 grams per day.  Take 2- 3 grams, 2-3 times a day or 5 grams twice a day.  Dissolve the powder in any amount of liquid, and drink. Take it first thing in the morning and later at night before bedtime.  It often works best when taken on an empty stomach. Or, if you don’t like the taste, you can put the powder into gel-caps.

Whole Herbs: Using a container made of ceramic, glass, or stainless steel (no aluminum, iron or copper) boil 1 packet of herbs in 1-2-quarts of water for until 2 cups of medicine remain. Drink 1 cup in the AM. And 1 cup in the PM. If desired, repeat the following day, using the saved herbs from the refrigerator.

Tips on Boiling Chinese Herbal Decoctions

Commonly, Chinese herbs are boiled for 20 - 40 minutes, the dregs are strained out and the "tea" is taken warm or at room temperature. Boiling times are averaged according to the composition of the formula. Flower and leaf will yield medicine in 5 -20 minutes. Roots take 20 to 40 minutes; Shells and minerals must cook for at least one hour. A few herbs, like mint or tangerine peel, must be quick-boiled for only 1-5 minutes to retain their volatile oils. These herbs are added separately to the boiling mixture just before completion.  Some herb, like tree saps, powders, or certain minerals, like sulphur, are not boiled, but are added to the strained decoction.

Drinking Boiled Decoctions

The potent aromas and flavors of Chinese herbs are legendary. Boiling the herbs and drinking the tea will provide the fullest experience of these medicines.  However the odors and taste can be challenging for many people.  To minimize this challenge, it is suggested that you ventilate the kitchen when boiling the herbs, and that you hold your nose, (or don't breathe through your nose) while drinking the medicine.  Chewing something sweet immediately after drinking the herbs will prevent any aftertaste.

* What’s the Difference Between, PIAN, WAN, TANG, SAN, SHUI, YAO, and GAO?

• PIAN = Tablet (modern looking pill)
• WAN = Pill (old-style or handmade pill, or black teapill)
• TANG = Water Decoction (boiled whole herbs)
• SAN = Powder (milled or granulated)
• SHUI = Tincture (extract with alcohol or other solvent)
• YAO = Medicine
• GAO = Paste (topical unguent or plaster)

FAQs:

What is Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Formula) is one of the oldest and most important herbal formulas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is designed to strengthen Spleen Qi, improve digestion, increase energy, and help the body convert food into Qi and Blood. It has been used for centuries to treat fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and digestive weakness.

What is Four Gentlemen Formula used for?

Four Gentlemen Formula is traditionally prescribed for Spleen Qi deficiency. Common symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, bloating after eating, loose stools, chronic diarrhea, weak muscles, and a pale complexion. It is often used during recovery from illness or whenever the digestive system has become weakened.

Can Si Jun Zi Tang help IBS?

It can be helpful for some people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome when their symptoms fit the TCM pattern of Spleen Qi deficiency. These individuals often experience bloating, fatigue, loose stools, and digestive discomfort that improves with warmth and regular meals. Because IBS has many causes, it is important to receive an individualized diagnosis before selecting an herbal formula.

How long does Si Jun Zi Tang take to work?

Some people notice improvements in appetite and digestion within one or two weeks. Building Qi, however, is usually a gradual process. For chronic Qi deficiency, treatment commonly continues for several weeks or months while the underlying weakness is corrected.

Who should not take Si Jun Zi Tang?

Si Jun Zi Tang is intended for deficiency conditions. It is generally not appropriate for people with acute infections, high fever, excess Heat, severe inflammation, or constipation caused by Heat. Taking a Qi-tonifying formula when the diagnosis is incorrect may fail to relieve symptoms or even make them worse.

Can I take Si Jun Zi Tang long term?

Many patients use the formula safely for extended periods when supervised by an experienced practitioner. Long-term use should be based on periodic reassessment, since the body's needs often change as health improves.

What is the difference between Si Jun Zi Tang and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang?

Both formulas tonify Qi, but they have different purposes. Si Jun Zi Tang primarily strengthens digestion and treats Spleen Qi deficiency. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a stronger Qi-tonifying formula that also raises sinking Qi. It is commonly used for chronic fatigue accompanied by organ prolapse, chronic diarrhea, or a sensation of heaviness and downward pressure

**These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.