四君子汤

Name

Decoction of Four Noble Drugs

Source

The book Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang

Ingredients

• Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng) 10 g,
• Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 9 g,
• Fu Ling (Poria) 9 g,
• Zhi Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 6 g.

Explanation

Ren Shen: The principal drug, being sweet in flavor and warm in nature, invigorating primordial Qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach.

Bai Zhu: Strengthening the spleen and drying dampness.

Fu Ling: Inducing diuresis and strengthening the spleen, assisting Bai Zhu in promoting the transforming and transporting function of the spleen.

Zhi Gan Cao: Invigorating Qi, regulating the stomach, tempering the actions of all the other ingredients.

Effect

Invigorating Qi and strengthening the spleen

Indications

Syndrome due to Qi deficiency of the spleen and stomach, marked by pale complexion, lower voice, weakness of the limbs, poor appetite or loose stools, pale tongue, thready and slow pulse; including such diseases with the above symptoms as chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer.

Administration

Decocted in water for oral dose to be taken twice.