SI JUN ZI TANG 四君子湯 - Four-Gentleman Formula

Major Four Combination

Origin of SSI 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.  4 Gentlemen 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)

**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.