- 【Prescription Name】:
- Four Gentlemen Decoction
- Origin of Prescription
- Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang
- Prescription Rhyme:
- Four Gentlemen Decoction harmonizes the middle and benefits qi Ginseng, Poria, Atractylodes, and Licorice are the four ingredients applied It is the fundamental formula for supplementing qi and fortifying the spleen Suitable for treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency
- Explanation of the Prescription:
- This formula serves as the fundamental prescription for treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency. In the formula, Codonopsis pilosula, with its sweet and warm properties, supports the spleen and nourishes the stomach, replenishes middle qi, strengthens the spleen and stomach, enhances digestive function, and generates qi and blood, making it the primary herb. Spleen deficiency tends to produce dampness; Atractylodes macrocephala, with its bitter and warm nature, can strengthen the spleen and dry dampness, aiding digestion as a supporting herb. Poria cocos, with its sweet and bland properties, assists Atractylodes macrocephala in strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis, serving as an adjuvant herb. Prepared licorice, with its sweet and warm nature, tonifies the middle and harmonizes the stomach, acting as the guiding herb.
- 【Recipe Composition】
- Codonopsis pilosula12 grams,Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparata4.5 grams,Poria9 grams,Atractylodes macrocephala9 grams.
- Usage
- Decoct in water for oral administration.
- Efficacy and Functions
- Spleen and stomach qi deficiency, weak transportation and transformation. Symptoms include sallow complexion, reduced food intake, loose stools, fatigue in the limbs, and a thin, weak pulse.
- Clinical Application
- 1. This formula excels at tonifying the middle qi and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Many tonifying formulas are derived from modifications of this one. It can be adapted and applied for various causes of decreased gastric function, weak digestion, and spleen qi deficiency appearing in various chronic diseases.
2. For spleen and stomach weakness accompanied by qi stagnation, with chest and abdominal distension and discomfort, add Chenpi to regulate qi and resolve stagnation, known as Daogong Powder. It is suitable for spleen qi deficiency in children with symptoms such as poor appetite, loose stools, and indigestion.
3. For those with spleen and stomach qi deficiency accompanied by phlegm dampness, symptoms such as excessive cough with clear and thin phlegm, and shortness of breath, Pinellia and Tangerine Peel can be added to regulate qi and resolve phlegm, known as Liu Jun Zi Tang.
4. For spleen and stomach qi deficiency, cold-dampness retention in the middle jiao, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, hiccups and belching, vomiting and diarrhea, white and greasy tongue coating, etc., add tangerine peel, pinellia ternata, aucklandia root, and amomum villosum to promote qi circulation, relieve pain, descend adverse qi, and resolve phlegm. This is known as Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction.
