Posted on May 7, 2026May 19, 2026

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang for Fluid Retention and Phlegm

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

What is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang?

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang as a 1:5 alcohol tincture

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang is a classical Chinese formula that herbalists turn to when fluid feels stuck — heaviness in the chest, dizzy spells, or that sloshy feeling under the ribs. The name encodes its four ingredients: Ling (Fu Ling, Poria), Gui (Gui Zhi, cinnamon twig), Zhu (Bai Zhu, white atractylodes), and Gan (Gan Cao, honey-fried licorice). Together they warm the digestive center and move stuck fluid out of the body.

The formula first appeared in the Shang Han Lun, a foundational Chinese medical text written by Zhang Zhongjing around 220 CE. For nearly two thousand years it has served as one of the core prescriptions for what classical doctors called Tan Yin — phlegm-fluid retention. In modern terms, the pattern shows up as the body holding onto extra water it cannot move or warm.

How the name maps to the herbs

Each character in the name points to one ingredient. Here is how the four pieces work together:

Fu Ling (Poria) — a mild, sweet fungus that drains dampness through the urinary system without depleting fluids elsewhere.
Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig) — warms the chest and circulation, helping the heart push fluid along.
Bai Zhu (white atractylodes) — strengthens the spleen so it can move food and water properly instead of letting them pool.
Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice) — harmonizes the other three and supports the spleen’s energy.

Here’s why that matters: the four herbs do not just sit in the bowl — they correct the underlying problem and move out the visible fluid at the same time. Poria pulls water down. Cinnamon twig pushes warmth and circulation up and out. Atractylodes rebuilds the digestive engine that lets fluid flow in the first place. Furthermore, licorice keeps the formula gentle and ties the actions together.

Where this formula sits in classical practice

Practitioners file this prescription under “warm and transform phlegm-fluid” formulas — alongside relatives like Er Chen Tang, which clears thicker phlegm higher up in the body. In contrast, where Er Chen Tang handles sticky phlegm in the lungs and stomach, this formula targets thinner, watery fluid that has settled in the chest, head, or middle.

For centuries the formula has stayed in active use because the pattern it treats is common: weak digestion, cold core, fluid that wells up where it should not.

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Benefits and Pattern

Classical decoction form of the four-herb formula

The Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang pattern shows up in clinic as a recognizable cluster of signs. Patients describe a heavy or muffled feeling in the head, palpitations that come on with movement, dizziness when standing up, and a sense that water is sloshing under the ribs. The tongue often shows a white, slippery coat — the classic marker of cold, watery dampness.

Conditions traditionally associated with Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

For centuries Chinese herbalists have used the formula to address:

Dizziness and vertigo — especially the kind that worsens when bending or rising suddenly
Palpitations and shortness of breath on exertion — fluid pressing on the chest area
Gurgling or sloshing in the upper abdomen — a hallmark of the pattern
Loose stools and watery diarrhea — alongside cold hands and feet
Mild edema — puffiness that responds to warmth and movement rather than pressure

In addition, modern research has begun to look at the formula in conditions like Ménière’s disease and certain forms of mild heart-related fluid retention. A handful of PubMed-indexed clinical reviews suggest that the herbs may calm vertigo episodes and reduce excess fluid in patients who fit the cold-and-damp pattern. The studies are early, yet the direction matches two thousand years of traditional use.

Why the formula works on the spleen

In Chinese medicine the spleen is the organ in charge of moving food, water, and energy through the trunk. When spleen yang — the warm, active side of digestion — runs low, fluid can no longer travel where it needs to go. As a result, it pools instead. Practitioners describe this as “spleen yang failing to transform fluid.”

However, the body does not simply hold the fluid in one place. The water rises into the chest and head, which is why the symptoms feel so disorienting. the formula corrects the engine at the bottom — the spleen and the lower warmer — and at the same time helps the chest let go of what has crept upward.

Furthermore, the formula sits in a family of warming digestive prescriptions. Li Zhong Wan handles deeper spleen-yang cold without the rising fluid component, while Ping Wei San dries thicker damp earth pattern in the stomach. Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang occupies the middle ground: cold weak digestion plus thin watery fluid that has migrated upward.

The key takeaway: this is not a generic diuretic and not a generic warming tonic. Instead, it is a paired action — warm the source, drain the puddle.

How to Use Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang

Raw form of the four formula herbs

Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang has spent most of its history as a decoction — a strong simmered tea. For centuries practitioners would weigh out the four raw herbs, simmer them in water for about an hour, and divide the resulting liquid into doses across the day. The tradition still works, and many practitioners in China prepare it that way today.

Modern forms of the formula

Today most people meet the formula as a tincture, a pill (wan), or a granule. Each form has trade-offs:

Tincture — fast acting, easy to dose, no daily simmering, longer shelf life. Best for steady use over weeks.
Pill (wan) — the classical “honey pill” form, gentler and slower, well suited to long-term spleen support.
Decoction (raw herbs simmered) — the strongest and most flexible form, but it requires daily kitchen time.
Granule — a modern concentrated extract you stir into hot water; closest to a decoction in strength without the cookware.

At Herbal Clinic we prepare Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang as a 1:5 alcohol tincture using the classical Shang Han Lun proportions. As a result, the four herbs deliver their full action in a small daily volume that fits easily into a routine.

How Herbal Clinic sources and prepares the formula

Quality matters more than usual with this prescription because the herbs come from different botanical groups. Poria is a fungus, cinnamon twig is bark, atractylodes is a root, and licorice is a root. Each one needs a different supplier, a different harvest window, and a different test panel. Most of our suppliers grow organically or wildcraft sustainably. A third-party lab tests every lot, and our herbalists then evaluate it by taste and smell before bottling.

For instance, we run identity testing on poria so the body of the fungus is genuine — not a substitute species — and we confirm cinnamon twig is true Cinnamomum cassia twig rather than the bark, since the twig and bark have different actions in this formula.

Fitting the formula into a daily routine

Most practitioners suggest the tincture before or between meals so the warming, fluid-moving action lines up with digestion. In contrast, people often take the pill form with a small amount of warm water in the morning. Either way, the goal is steady contact with the herbs over weeks rather than a single big dose.

Because the formula treats a deep, structural pattern, change is gradual. Many people notice that dizziness softens first, then the chest feels lighter, then the gurgling settles. As a result, practitioners typically reassess after four to six weeks of consistent use.

For specific dosing or whether Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang fits your situation, please talk with a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada and the formula is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

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Are your products Canadian?

Our products are made in Toronto, Ontario, Canada by a team of Herbalists and Naturopathic Doctors. The herbs and ingredients we use to make our products are sourced both locally and globally to keep herbs accessible and sustainable.

Are your products organic?

The majority of our herbs are certified organic, sustainably wildcrafted, or come from small-scale local organic farms that do not yet have organic certification. We always do our best to provide organic herbs in your formulas. We work with a variety of suppliers to keep costs low.

Are your products gluten-free?

Although most of our products do not contain gluten, we do not have gluten-free certification for our production facility. Feel free to ask about any specific products and we’ll share whatever information we have available.

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on May 5, 2026May 19, 2026

Liu Jun Zi Tang Six Gentlemen Formula: What It Is and How to Use It

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Liu Jun Zi Tang: The Six Gentlemen Formula and Its Origins

Six herbs, one classical formula — prepared fresh in our Toronto facility

Liu Jun Zi Tang, the Six Gentlemen Formula, is one of the most widely used digestive tonics in classical Chinese medicine. If you have encountered Si Jun Zi Tang — the Four Gentlemen — you already know its foundation. Liu Jun Zi Tang builds on those four herbs by adding two more, creating a remedy that addresses both digestive weakness and phlegm accumulation.

The name comes from a long tradition in Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine practitioners called well-balanced, effective herbs “gentlemen,” because they work with the body rather than forcing a response. The six herbs in this formula are: Korean red ginseng root (Ren Shen), white atractylodes root (Bai Zhu), poria fruiting body (Fu Ling), honey-fried licorice root (Gan Cao), chen pi peel (Chen Pi), and pinellia tuber (Ban Xia). The name Liu Jun Zi Tang translates to the Six Gentlemen Formula, a direct reference to these six herbs working in concert.

How the Six Herbs Work Together

The first four herbs form Si Jun Zi Tang. Together, they tonify Spleen and Stomach Qi — the core of digestive energy in TCM. The final two herbs add the Er Chen component. Specifically, chen pi dries dampness and moves Qi. Pinellia transforms phlegm and helps the Stomach descend its Qi normally. Additionally, pinellia is one of the more targeted herbs in classical Chinese medicine for calming nausea driven by a rebellious Stomach.

In TCM theory, the Spleen governs the transformation and transport of food and fluids. When Spleen Qi weakens, the body cannot move fluids properly. As a result, those fluids accumulate as dampness and phlegm over time. For this reason, Liu Jun Zi Tang addresses both the root and the symptom — it strengthens the Spleen while clearing the phlegm its weakness produces.

Historically, the formula draws from Li Dongyuan’s Spleen-Stomach school of Chinese medicine, which developed in the Jin-Yuan dynasty (1115–1234 CE). His work established that digestive strength was central to overall health. Furthermore, Liu Jun Zi Tang remains one of the most commonly prescribed TCM digestive formulas in global clinical practice. Practitioners in East Asia, Europe, and North America use it regularly. At Herbal Clinic, we offer it as a liquid extract made from all six classical herbs.

What the Liu Jun Zi Tang Six Gentlemen Formula Is Traditionally Used For

Liu Jun Zi Tang liquid extract — six classical herbs in a single formula

Practitioners most often choose the Six Gentlemen Formula, Liu Jun Zi Tang, for a TCM pattern known as Spleen Qi deficiency with phlegm-dampness. This pattern describes a digestive system that is both weak and producing excess phlegm or fluid accumulation. However, the formula’s reach extends beyond any single pattern. Practitioners choose Liu Jun Zi Tang, the Six Gentlemen Formula, when digestive weakness has progressed to include visible phlegm signs that Si Jun Zi Tang alone would not clear.

Four Main Actions in Classical TCM

In classical TCM, this formula has four main actions:

Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi — supports the digestive system at its root, helping the body extract energy from food
Dries dampness — chen pi resolves fluid accumulation that accompanies Spleen weakness
Transforms phlegm — pinellia clears phlegm from the middle jiao, which may reduce sensations of fullness and nausea
Harmonizes the Stomach — the combined formula calms Stomach Qi and supports its normal downward movement

This is where it gets interesting:

Compared to Si Jun Zi Tang, the Six Gentlemen formula adds a phlegm-clearing dimension. Compared to Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, it lacks the Qi-moving and food-accumulation herbs. So Liu Jun Zi Tang sits in the middle — broader than the Four Gentlemen, more focused than the full Eight Gentlemen variant.

Modern research on Liu Jun Zi Tang has explored its traditional applications in functional gastrointestinal conditions. A number of studies indexed on PubMed have examined its use in chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and digestive recovery after illness. In particular, researchers have noted its effects on gastric motility and its role in supporting digestive function during and after medical treatment. Nevertheless, this research reflects ongoing investigation, not established medical conclusions.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How to Take the Liu Jun Zi Tang Six Gentlemen Formula

Chen pi and pinellia root — the two herbs that distinguish the Six Gentlemen from the Four Gentlemen

Liu Jun Zi Tang, the Six Gentlemen Formula, comes as a liquid extract at Herbal Clinic. This format preserves a broad range of active compounds from all six herbs and makes consistent use straightforward. Consistent use over weeks matters for TCM tonic formulas — they work gradually by building and supporting the underlying system, not by producing an immediate acute effect.

How We Prepare the Formula

At Herbal Clinic, we prepare the Liu Jun Zi Tang Six Gentlemen Formula using the six classical ingredients: Korean red ginseng root, white atractylodes root, poria fruiting body, honey-fried licorice root, chen pi peel, and pinellia tuber. We extract them in reverse osmosis water and gluten-free pharmaceutical grade alcohol at a 1:5 ratio. In this way, we keep the formula close to its classical preparation and preserve the full activity of each herb.

Unlike single-herb tinctures, this is a compound formula where each herb plays a specific role. For this reason, removing or substituting any of the six herbs changes what the formula does. We follow the classical composition exactly so the formula works as generations of TCM practitioners intended.

Furthermore, because Liu Jun Zi Tang is a tonic rather than an acute formula, practitioners generally recommend taking it over a longer period. How long, and whether the Six Gentlemen formula fits your individual pattern, is a question best answered by a TCM practitioner or naturopathic doctor.

We do not make dosage recommendations for regulatory and liability reasons. Please review our disclaimer and consult a qualified health practitioner for guidance. Additionally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, speak with your healthcare provider before using any herbal formula.

Liu Jun Zi Tang comes in 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL sizes. We ship across Canada. You can also explore Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang if you want the expanded version that also targets Qi stagnation and food accumulation.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on May 4, 2026May 19, 2026

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for Abdominal Cramping: A Classical Chinese Formula Guide

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for Abdominal Cramping: An Ancient Middle-Warming Formula

Ceylon cinnamon and ginger — two of the six warming herbs in Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping is one of the oldest precise formulas in the Chinese herbal tradition. It is a gentle, warming decoction designed to address digestive weakness and spasmodic pain at their root cause. Zhang Zhongjing recorded it in the Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold Damage) around 200 AD. It ranks among the earliest written formulas for cramping pain from digestive deficiency.

Notably, the name reveals the formula’s intent. Xiao means "minor" — gentle rather than forceful. Jian means "to build or strengthen." Zhong refers to the middle — the Spleen and Stomach system that governs digestion, energy, and the transformation of food into qi and blood. Tang means "decoction." Together, this gives us the Minor Center-Strengthening Decoction. In practice, the formula gently rebuilds the digestive centre rather than simply suppressing pain.

The TCM Pattern: Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold

The Shang Han Lun presents Xiao Jian Zhong Tang in several clinical contexts: abdominal pain from cold damage, palpitations with deficiency, and fatigue with cold limbs. This breadth reflects the formula’s dual action — warming the middle while nourishing qi and blood. Moreover, TCM practitioners have used it for centuries as a first choice when cramping and fatigue appear together in a cold, depleted constitution.

In TCM, the Spleen is the root of post-natal qi — the organ that extracts energy from food and distributes it throughout the body. When Spleen yang grows weak and cold, energy production slows and digestion becomes unreliable. As a result, the smooth muscles of the digestive tract lose their rhythmic regulation. Cramping follows. Moreover, the Liver governs smooth muscle tension in TCM. When the Spleen is weak, the Liver tends to overact on it. As a result, the pain takes on a spasmodic, wave-like quality. Furthermore, when the Spleen fails to generate enough qi and blood over time, the Heart begins to suffer. Mild palpitations and restlessness appear alongside the digestive complaints.

A Formula That Builds While It Relieves

However, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping targets a very specific pattern: Spleen-Stomach deficiency with cold. The characteristic presentation includes spasmodic, wave-like abdominal pain that responds to warmth and gentle pressure. It worsens with cold food or cold weather. Low energy, poor appetite, and loose stools often accompany it. This distinguishes it from formulas for heat patterns, stagnation, or pure tonification without the antispasmodic element.

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang addresses all three levels of the pattern. It warms and builds the Spleen, moderates the Liver-Spleen relationship, and nourishes the blood deficiency behind the palpitations. Therefore, it works best when all three issues appear together — not just isolated cramping or isolated fatigue.

The formula contains six ingredients: Ceylon cinnamon, white peony root, honey-fried licorice, fresh ginger, smoked jujube, and honey. In the classical version, Yi Tang (barley malt syrup) served as the chief herb. It provided the sweet-warming, Spleen-building foundation. Herbal Clinic uses honey in its place — a sweet-warming ingredient with the same building and moderating quality. Together, these six herbs warm the channels, relax smooth muscle spasm, and restore steady digestive function.

How Xiao Jian Zhong Tang Works: Warming, Building, and Relieving Cramping

Cold-pattern abdominal cramping — spasmodic, responsive to warmth and pressure

How Xiao Jian Zhong Tang works becomes clear when you trace the role of each herb. The formula does two things at once — it relieves the immediate spasm and corrects the underlying deficiency. Each ingredient targets one or both.

The Herbs and Their Roles

Honey (replacing classical Yi Tang, barley malt syrup): In the original formula, Yi Tang serves as the chief herb — sweet and warming, directed at the Spleen and Stomach. It builds qi and blood, moderates acute cramping pain, and provides the warm, building base for the whole formula. Herbal Clinic uses honey in its place, which carries a similar sweet-warming nature and supports the same building action.

White Peony Root (Bai Shao, Paeonia lactiflora): Notably, white peony is the formula’s primary antispasmodic. It nourishes Blood, relaxes the Liver, and calms smooth muscle spasm. Combined with honey-fried licorice, it forms Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang — a two-herb pairing at the heart of this formula. Research on paeoniflorin, the key active compound in white peony root, supports its smooth muscle-relaxing action and helps explain the formula’s antispasmodic reputation in classical texts.

Honey-Fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao, Glycyrrhiza uralensis): Honey-fried licorice harmonizes the formula and amplifies white peony’s antispasmodic effect. Additionally, it supports Spleen qi, moderates acute pain, and helps all the other herbs work together without overwhelming a depleted system.

Ceylon Cinnamon (Gui Zhi, Cinnamomum verum): Cinnamon twig warms the channels and the middle burner. It promotes free movement of qi and blood, dispels cold, and helps carry the formula’s warming action into the abdomen. Without cinnamon, the formula would lack the heat to address the cold component of the pattern.

Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang, Zingiber officinale): Ginger warms the Stomach, dispels cold from the middle, and supports healthy digestive function. It also helps with nausea that often accompanies cold-pattern digestive conditions.

Smoked Jujube (Da Zao, Ziziphus jujuba): Jujube nourishes Blood and Spleen qi, moderates the formula’s action, and supports the building role of the honey. Together with licorice, it prevents the formula from being too stimulating for a depleted system.

What Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for Abdominal Cramping Addresses

Practitioners use xiao jian zhong tang for abdominal cramping when the cold-deficiency pattern is clear. The classic signs are:

Spasmodic, wave-like abdominal pain that improves with warmth and firm pressure
Cramping triggered or worsened by cold food, cold temperatures, or emotional stress
Low energy and fatigue that accompany the digestive complaints
Poor appetite or loose stools reflecting Spleen weakness
Mild palpitations or restlessness linked to blood deficiency
A tendency to feel cold, tire easily, or sweat without exertion

In modern clinical practice, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping appears in protocols for cold-pattern IBS, chronic functional abdominal pain, and recovery from illness where the digestive system remains weak and cold. Because it builds alongside relieving, practitioners also reach for it when fatigue and mild palpitations co-exist with the digestive complaints — that combination points specifically to this formula.

In contrast, this formula does not suit heat patterns. If pain worsens with warmth, if there is a burning sensation in the abdomen, or if the person tends to run hot overall, a different formula applies. Indeed, pattern matching is central to TCM — the same symptom in a different pattern calls for a different remedy.

In addition, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang sits within a group of related formulas for Spleen-Stomach deficiency. Li Zhong Wan addresses pure Spleen-Stomach cold without a strong antispasmodic component. Si Jun Zi Tang tonifies Spleen qi but lacks the warming and antispasmodic elements. Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping stands out when cramping is the central complaint and when both cold and deficiency are present alongside it.

Using Xiao Jian Zhong Tang: How Herbal Clinic Prepares It and Who It Suits

Herbal Clinic’s Xiao Jian Zhong Tang — available as a liquid tincture in four sizes

Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping reaches patients at Herbal Clinic as a liquid tincture — a format that preserves the classical formula’s balance in a modern, accessible form. We prepare it using reverse osmosis water and gluten-free pharmaceutical-grade alcohol, extracting the full six-herb formula: Ceylon cinnamon, white peony root, honey-fried licorice, fresh ginger, smoked jujube, and honey.

How Herbal Clinic Prepares This Formula

The formula is available in 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL sizes. This range makes it accessible for a first trial or suitable for a longer-term protocol. Our herbalists source each ingredient to match the classical specification — notably using Ceylon cinnamon rather than cassia, which more closely reflects the Gui Zhi of the original text. Each batch goes through organoleptic review by our team and third-party testing before release.

Additionally, the finished tincture carries the characteristic sweet-warming quality of the formula. The mild bitterness of white peony and licorice balances the warmth of cinnamon and honey. These flavour cues reflect the formula’s action: sweet-warming to build and moderate, mildly bitter to tonify and harmonize. The combination creates a pleasant, distinctive taste that most people find easy to take.

Who This Formula Is Suited For

Identifying the right pattern matters. The most reliable guide is the response to warmth: if abdominal cramping consistently improves with heat — a heating pad, warm food, or a warm drink — that points toward a warming formula. Cold-triggered cramping that settles with warmth is a strong signal that Xiao Jian Zhong Tang for abdominal cramping is worth exploring.

Moreover, fatigue alongside digestive complaints is the other key indicator. Xiao Jian Zhong Tang builds qi and blood at the same time as it relieves spasm. As a result, it suits people who are not just in pain but also tired, feeling depleted, running cold, or showing signs of blood deficiency alongside their digestive complaints. This combination — cramping plus fatigue plus cold tendency — separates Xiao Jian Zhong Tang from formulas that address spasm or stagnation alone.

People who run hot, whose cramping worsens with warmth, or whose symptoms point to excess rather than deficiency should look at different formulas. For those cases, a qualified TCM practitioner can identify which formula matches the pattern. Xiao Jian Zhong Tang works best when the cold-deficiency pattern is clear — and notably less well when it is not.

For those who recognize the cold-deficiency pattern, In short, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang offers a remedy that does two jobs at once: it stops the immediate cramping and builds the capacity to prevent it from returning. That dual action — relief and restoration together — reflects the broader goal of classical TCM formulation.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for any health concerns.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on May 1, 2026May 19, 2026

Li Zhong Wan for Digestive Weakness and Fatigue

li zhong wan herbs for digestive weakness and fatigue

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Li Zhong Wan for Digestive Weakness and Fatigue: A Classical Chinese Formula

Ginger root — the chief warming herb in the Li Zhong Wan formula

Li zhong wan for digestive weakness and fatigue has a history stretching nearly 2,000 years. Zhang Zhongjing recorded it around 200 CE in a text called the Shang Han Lun — the Treatise on Cold Damage. That book remains a core reference in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education today. It is one of the oldest complete clinical textbooks in the world.

In Chinese, 理中丸 means “Regulate the Middle Pill.” The middle refers to the middle jiao — the digestive centre of the body in TCM. When the middle jiao runs cold and weak, the whole system begins to struggle. Food sits heavy in the stomach. Energy drops. The belly feels bloated and uncomfortable after meals.

In TCM thinking, warmth drives digestion. The spleen needs Yang energy to transform food into nutrients. When that Yang weakens — through cold exposure, chronic illness, stress, or constitution — the whole digestive process slows. For this reason, Zhang Zhongjing developed li zhong wan for patterns where cold had entered the middle jiao. The cold weakened the spleen and disrupted digestion. In fact, TCM practitioners have used this formula with very little change for nearly 2,000 years. That longevity reflects its consistency in clinical practice.

Understanding Spleen Yang Deficiency

However, not every digestive problem calls for this formula. Li zhong wan targets a specific pattern. Practitioners call it Spleen Yang deficiency — a state where the digestive fire burns too low to warm and transform food. In everyday terms, this looks like sluggish digestion, fatigue after meals, and loose stools. Many people also notice poor appetite and a cold feeling in the abdomen.

The Four Warming Herbs in the Formula

Each of the four herbs carries a long individual history in Chinese medicine. Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang, from Zingiber officinale) provides the warming action. Korean Red Ginseng (Ren Shen, from Panax ginseng) rebuilds digestive Qi. White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, from Atractylodes macrocephala) dries dampness and strengthens spleen function. Honey-Fried Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao, from Glycyrrhiza uralensis) harmonizes the formula and supports spleen Qi recovery.

Many people turn to li zhong wan for digestive weakness and fatigue when cold sits at the root of their symptoms. Additionally, it serves as the base for several stronger variants in classical Chinese medicine. Herbal Clinic carries it as a liquid tincture, producing each batch in Toronto from organic and wildcrafted herbs.

Li Zhong Wan Benefits: Fatigue, Digestive Weakness, and Cold Patterns

Li Zhong Wan tincture — available from Herbal Clinic in 100mL to 1000mL sizes

In TCM, the spleen governs digestion and energy production. When spleen Yang weakens, the body cannot pull energy from food well. As a result, fatigue sets in — especially after meals. Digestion slows. Stools become loose or watery. Appetite drops.

Indeed, the symptom picture is distinctive. The abdomen feels cold and achy — especially after cold foods or drinks. Nausea may occur in the morning. Fatigue runs constant, not just after exercise. In TCM tongue and pulse diagnosis, this pattern shows a pale tongue with a white coating and a deep, weak pulse.

How Li Zhong Wan Addresses Digestive Weakness and Fatigue

Li zhong wan works best for digestive weakness and fatigue tied to cold, damp patterns. The formula addresses this through four specific actions:

Warms the middle jiao — Dried Ginger drives cold out of the digestive system directly. It is the chief herb and does the most immediate work.
Rebuilds Qi — Korean Red Ginseng tonifies spleen and stomach Qi. It restores the body’s capacity to transform food into energy.
Dries dampness — White Atractylodes supports the spleen’s ability to move fluids. This reduces bloating, loose stools, and the heavy, sluggish feeling cold-damp patterns produce.
Harmonizes — Honey-Fried Licorice softens the formula, moderates the drying herbs, and supports spleen Qi recovery.

Here is how the logic works: Ginger and Atractylodes address the immediate problem — cold and dampness. Ginseng and Licorice address the underlying cause — Qi deficiency. Together, they work on both the symptom and the root. This is a key principle in classical TCM formula design.

Seasonal Use and Post-Illness Recovery

Additionally, practitioners often recommend li zhong wan after illness. A cold, flu, or prolonged infection can weaken the middle jiao significantly. In these cases, the formula helps restore digestive function and rebuild energy over a recovery period of several weeks.

Furthermore, the formula follows a seasonal pattern of use. Cold months — late autumn and winter — tend to aggravate middle jiao deficiency. Many practitioners prescribe li zhong wan during these seasons for patients with a known tendency toward cold-type digestive weakness. In East Asia, it remains one of the most commonly prescribed warming formulas in clinical TCM practice.

For comparison, the Si Jun Zi Tang four gentlemen formula tonifies spleen and stomach Qi without the strong warming action of li zhong wan. That makes Si Jun Zi Tang the right choice when Qi deficiency is present but cold is not the main pattern. Li zhong wan, by contrast, adds the warming element that cold-pattern patients need.

In modern clinical settings across China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, practitioners continue to use li zhong wan for digestive weakness, fatigue, cold abdominal pain, and other presentations with a clear cold-digestive pattern. The formula’s four-herb simplicity makes it reliable and well-tolerated.

How to Use Li Zhong Wan: Tincture Form and What to Expect

Dried ginseng, ginger, and atractylodes — the warming roots of Li Zhong Wan

Herbal Clinic prepares li zhong wan as an alcohol-based liquid tincture. This differs from the traditional honey pill form, but offers real advantages. The liquid absorbs quickly. It is easy to adjust the amount taken. Furthermore, the alcohol-based extraction draws out a wide range of active compounds from all four herbs.

Li zhong wan for digestive weakness and fatigue works best with consistent use over several weeks. Most people begin to notice improved digestion and less fatigue within two to four weeks. As with most TCM formulas, the herbs work gradually — building warmth and Qi rather than delivering a quick fix.

Here are general usage notes:

Take the tincture as directed on the label or as advised by your health practitioner.
Dilute it in a small amount of warm water before drinking. Warm delivery supports the warming nature of the formula.
Take it before or with meals to support the digestive process directly.
Overall, consistency matters more than dose size. Regular use over several weeks gives the herbs time to address the pattern at its root.

Diet and Lifestyle While Taking Li Zhong Wan

In the classical texts, Zhang Zhongjing advised patients to eat warm rice porridge after taking li zhong wan. The principle still applies today. Warm, easy-to-digest foods support the formula’s work. In contrast, cold drinks, raw foods, and heavy greasy meals run counter to its action.

Some practitioners also recommend pairing the formula with simple dietary adjustments. Cooked, warm foods are easier for the weakened spleen to transform. Therefore, soups, stews, steamed vegetables, and warm grains suit the cold-deficient pattern well. Raw salads and iced drinks tend to aggravate it. This is not a strict rule — it is a general direction for the recovery period.

Additionally, lifestyle choices reinforce the formula’s effectiveness. Dress warmly in cold weather. Rest more during the rebuilding phase. Avoid sitting on cold surfaces for long periods. These small habits support the warming work the herbs are doing internally.

Because of this, some practitioners also explore stronger variants. For more severe presentations, some practitioners prescribe Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan — a variant that adds Aconite for deeper Yang deficiency. However, the original four-herb formula handles most mild to moderate cold-pattern presentations well. Moreover, start with the base formula and adjust only if a qualified practitioner recommends otherwise.

Herbal Clinic’s Li Zhong Wan Tincture

Herbal Clinic’s Li Zhong Wan tincture is available in four sizes: 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL. The formula contains Dried Ginger, Korean Red Ginseng, White Atractylodes, and Honey-Fried Licorice — the complete classical four-herb combination. Indeed, each batch passes quality review before bottling.

As with all herbal products, consult a qualified health practitioner before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on April 30, 2026May 19, 2026

Er Chen Tang for Phlegm and Nausea: The Classical Two-Cured Decoction

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Er Chen Tang: The Two-Cured Formula for Phlegm and Nausea

Chen Pi — aged tangerine peel — is one of the two ‘cured’ herbs at the heart of Er Chen Tang.

Er Chen Tang for phlegm and nausea is one of the most foundational formulas in classical Chinese medicine — a thousand-year-old remedy built around two carefully aged ingredients. Herbalists first recorded it in the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang of 1107 CE, during the Song Dynasty. It remains one of one of the most common classical formulas for conditions rooted in phlegm and dampness.

The name means “Two-Cured Decoction” — a reference to two of its four core herbs. Ban Xia (pinellia tuber) and Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) both require aging and processing before use. Aging improves safety and concentrates their effects. Here’s why that matters: in TCM, how practitioners prepare an herb determines whether it works.

The Two Cured Herbs: Chen Pi and Ban Xia

Chen Pi is not simply dried citrus rind. This tangerine peel ages for at least three years — the longer, the better. As it ages, its warming and moving qualities intensify. With time, it becomes a powerful tool for shifting stagnant Qi and clearing accumulated phlegm from the chest and stomach.

The formula follows one of the most important principles in TCM: treat the root, not just the symptom. In classical theory, phlegm does not arise on its own. It develops when the Spleen — responsible for transforming fluids — becomes weak or overwhelmed. Fluids stop moving, accumulate, and congeal into phlegm. Er Chen Tang addresses this root pattern by strengthening the Spleen and drying the dampness that gives rise to phlegm.

The supporting herbs each play a clear role. Fu Ling (poria) strengthens the Spleen and drains excess moisture. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice) harmonizes the formula. Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger) warms the Stomach and helps Ban Xia work safely. Wu Mei (smoked plum) keeps the formula from over-drying — a careful counterbalance to the drying herbs.

Additionally, practitioners consider Er Chen Tang the “mother formula” for a whole family of phlegm-resolving prescriptions in classical Chinese medicine. Many well-known formulas build on its foundation. Understanding Er Chen Tang is, in many ways, the key to understanding how TCM approaches phlegm as a whole.

How Er Chen Tang Clears Phlegm and Calms Nausea

Herbal Clinic stocks Er Chen Tang as a 1:5 tincture, with 200 mg of herb per mL.

Er Chen Tang for phlegm and nausea works by addressing the mechanism behind them — not just the symptoms themselves. In TCM, the Spleen governs the transformation of fluids. When Spleen Qi is weak or burdened by cold and damp foods, fluids stagnate and become dampness. Over time, that dampness congeals into phlegm — showing up as mucus in the respiratory tract, or creating heaviness and fog in the body.

The formula’s most common application is chronic cough with white or clear phlegm. This is Lung phlegm rooted in a Spleen that fails to process fluids well. Furthermore, Er Chen Tang addresses the digestive side of phlegm accumulation — nausea, vomiting, fullness in the stomach, and poor appetite. When phlegm sits in the Middle Jiao, the Stomach cannot move its contents downward properly. The result is upward rebellious Qi — felt as nausea or reflux with mucus.

When Phlegm Rises: Dizziness and Foggy Thinking

Phlegm does not stay in one place. In classical theory, phlegm can move to any part of the body and block clear channels. When it rises to the head, it produces a heavy, foggy kind of dizziness — that practitioners call Phlegm-type vertigo. Practitioners have traditionally used Er Chen Tang for this pattern when the root cause is Spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation.

In addition, this formula has a long history of use for nausea during pregnancy and for motion sickness — both conditions where the Stomach’s downward-moving energy is disrupted. A growing body of research on PubMed examines how Er Chen Tang’s component herbs affect the digestive and respiratory systems at a physiological level.

Er Chen Tang Ingredients and Their Roles

Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) — resolves phlegm, dries dampness, redirects rebellious Stomach Qi downward to stop nausea and vomiting
Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) — moves stagnant Qi in the chest and Middle Jiao, dissolves phlegm, supports Spleen function
Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — strengthens the Spleen, drains dampness, calms the mind
Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice) — harmonizes the formula and supports Spleen Qi
Sheng Jiang (fresh ginger root) — warms the Stomach, moderates Ban Xia, supports digestion
Wu Mei (smoked plum) — prevents over-drying and balances the stronger herbs

Most importantly, the formula works as a system. In fact, each herb plays a defined role. Indeed, none could achieve the same result alone. This is the core of TCM formulation — a precisely built combination addressing a root pattern, not single herbs targeting single symptoms.

Using Er Chen Tang for Phlegm-Dampness Conditions

Ginger root (Sheng Jiang) warms the Stomach and supports Ban Xia’s phlegm-resolving action in Er Chen Tang.

Herbal Clinic carries Er Chen Tang as a tincture — extracted at a 1:5 ratio with 200 mg of herb per mL, in 30–50% pharmaceutical-grade alcohol. This format preserves a broad range of active plant compounds while making the formula easy to use.

Using Er Chen Tang for phlegm and nausea works best when you bring some understanding of the underlying pattern. In TCM practice, a practitioner assesses the tongue coat, pulse, and overall health picture before recommending this formula. A thick white tongue coating, a slippery pulse, and a sense of heaviness or fatigue are classic signs of Phlegm-Dampness — the core pattern this formula targets.

Who This Formula Works Best For

Specifically, Er Chen Tang suits people who experience:

Persistent cough with white or clear phlegm that lingers after a cold
Nausea in the morning or after rich, oily, or cold foods
A heavy or foggy quality in their thinking, or fullness in the chest
Sluggish digestion, loose stools, or poor appetite

However, this formula does not suit dry cough, yellow phlegm from heat, or patterns with significant yin deficiency. For those situations, a different approach applies. Working with a trained TCM practitioner helps match the formula to the right pattern.

Er Chen Tang as a Foundation for Other Formulas

Because Er Chen Tang is the core phlegm formula in the classical tradition, practitioners often use it as a base and add herbs for specific complications. For example, when phlegm combines with heat — seen as yellow phlegm, thirst, or a red tongue — heat-clearing herbs are layered in. When it combines with Qi deficiency, Spleen tonics are added. You may recognize this approach in related formulas like Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang and Ping Wei San — both build on the principles Er Chen Tang established.

Furthermore, dietary choices support the formula’s work. Reducing cold, raw, or greasy foods eases the burden on the Spleen. Warming, well-cooked meals — grains, root vegetables, soups — align with the Spleen-supporting approach at the heart of this formula.

Herbal Clinic prepares Er Chen Tang in Toronto, Ontario, using reverse osmosis water and gluten-free pharmaceutical-grade alcohol. Each batch goes through sensory evaluation by our herbalists before final bottling.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on April 29, 2026May 19, 2026

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Digestion

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

What Is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Digestion?

The aromatic herbs in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang — cardamom and aucklandia — give the formula its warming, Qi-moving character.

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion stands among the most complete classical formulas in the TCM tradition. It builds on Si Jun Zi Tang — the Four Gentlemen Decoction by adding six herbs that address both weakness and stagnation. The result is a formula that suits a broader range of digestive presentations than a pure tonic can handle.

The name tells the full story. “Liu Jun Zi” translates as Six Gentlemen — six herbs working together to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. “Xiang” refers to Mu Xiang — Aucklandia root — an aromatic herb that moves Qi in the abdomen and relieves distension. “Sha” refers to Sha Ren — Cardamom seed — which warms the middle burner and transforms dampness with its aromatic properties. In turn, these two additions transform a pure tonic formula into one that also relieves stagnation.

A Formula Built on Layers

In the classical TCM tradition, herbalists developed formulas by building on earlier foundations. Specifically, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang sits at the top of a progression. It begins with Si Jun Zi Tang — the basic Spleen Qi tonic. From there, herbalists added Ban Xia and Chen Pi. This formed Liu Jun Zi Tang, a formula addressing dampness and phlegm alongside deficiency. Finally, they incorporated Mu Xiang and Sha Ren to produce Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, extending the formula’s reach to include Qi stagnation in the middle burner.

In practice, this layered structure makes the formula easy to understand clinically. The more complex the digestive picture, the more layers of treatment the patient requires. Moreover, it allows practitioners to select the formula that most precisely fits the patient’s pattern — pure deficiency, deficiency with dampness, or deficiency with both dampness and stagnation.

The Eight Herbs

The formula uses eight herbs, each playing a specific role:

Ren Shen (Ginseng root) — tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi; the primary tonic herb in the formula
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes rhizome) — strengthens the Spleen and dries dampness
Fu Ling (Poria) — supports Spleen function and helps drain pathological dampness
Gan Cao (Chinese Licorice root) — harmonizes the formula and mildly tonifies Qi
Ban Xia (Pinellia rhizome) — transforms phlegm and redirects rebellious Stomach Qi downward to stop nausea
Chen Pi (Tangerine peel) — moves Qi, dries dampness, and harmonizes the middle burner
Mu Xiang (Aucklandia root) — moves Qi strongly and relieves abdominal pain and distension
Sha Ren (Cardamom seed) — warms the Stomach, moves Qi, and transforms dampness with its aromatic quality

In TCM, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion targets a specific pattern. That pattern is Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness and Qi stagnation in the middle burner. Additionally, Mu Xiang and Sha Ren add a warming dimension the base Liu Jun Zi Tang lacks. This makes Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang well-suited for cold-type dampness and post-meal heaviness.

The TCM Digestion Pattern: How Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Works

Spleen Qi deficiency is one of the most common patterns in TCM practice. The Spleen governs transformation and transportation in Chinese medicine — the process by which the body breaks down food and distributes its essence throughout the body. When the Spleen is weak, this process slows. Food fails to transform cleanly. As a result, dampness accumulates in the middle burner, causing the characteristic bloating, heaviness, and fatigue after meals that patients describe.

Furthermore, Qi stagnation develops as a secondary consequence. For instance, when the Spleen cannot move food efficiently, Qi backs up and stagnates in the digestive tract. In turn, this stagnation produces distension, discomfort, and the cramping sensation many patients report. Therefore, a formula that only tonifies — without also moving Qi — may not fully resolve the presentation. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang addresses all three layers: the root deficiency, the dampness it generates, and the resulting Qi stagnation.

How Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Supports Digestion

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is available as a tincture at Herbal Clinic, Toronto.

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion works through three complementary mechanisms: tonifying the Spleen, transforming dampness, and moving stagnant Qi in the middle burner. Together, these actions address the most common pattern driving chronic digestive weakness in TCM clinical practice.

Tonifying the Spleen Foundation

The core of the formula is Si Jun Zi Tang. Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao work together to rebuild Spleen Qi over time. In TCM physiology, the Spleen transforms and transports nutrients from food. A weak Spleen performs this work inefficiently. As a result, food accumulates in the middle burner. Dampness forms, and the person feels tired, bloated, and unable to finish a meal comfortably. Additionally, energy stays low throughout the day because the Spleen cannot distribute nutrients properly.

In particular, Ren Shen stands at the centre of this tonic action. It directly supplements Qi in both the Spleen and Stomach. Bai Zhu dries dampness as it strengthens, making it particularly valuable in presentations with loose stools or heavy limbs. Fu Ling drains dampness through the lower burner and calms the spirit. Furthermore, Gan Cao harmonizes all the other herbs, ensuring the formula works as a coherent unit rather than a collection of individual actions.

Resolving Dampness and Redirecting Qi

Ban Xia and Chen Pi address the secondary pathology that Spleen deficiency creates. Specifically, Ban Xia transforms phlegm and redirects rebellious Stomach Qi downward. This directly stops nausea and the upward pressure many people feel after eating. Additionally, Ban Xia dries dampness by transforming pathological fluid into a form the body can clear.

Chen Pi contributes a complementary Qi-moving action. It enters the Spleen and Lung channels and moves stagnant Qi in the digestive tract. Moreover, its drying quality reinforces the dampness-clearing work of Bai Zhu and Fu Ling. In clinical practice, many herbalists describe Chen Pi as the herb that keeps the Spleen’s transformative action flowing — it prevents the tonic herbs from becoming cloying or causing further stagnation.

Moving Qi with Aucklandia and Cardamom

Mu Xiang and Sha Ren are what set this formula apart from the standard Six Gentlemen. Mu Xiang enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine channels. It moves Qi throughout the digestive tract and specifically relieves abdominal distension, cramping, and pain. Therefore, Mu Xiang directly addresses these stagnation complaints — post-meal bloating and the sense that food sits heavily in the stomach.

Sha Ren adds a different dimension. Its aromatic quality warms and transforms dampness, especially cold-type dampness. Furthermore, it anchors Qi and prevents it from scattering, making it a steadying addition to an otherwise active formula. Consequently, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion works not just for deficiency, but for deficiency with distension and post-meal discomfort.

Research published on PubMed suggests this formula and its related variants show benefit for functional digestive complaints including poor appetite, nausea, and gastric discomfort. Additionally, studies have explored its use for chemotherapy-related digestive side effects, where Spleen Qi deficiency often develops.

Who Benefits from Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Digestion

In TCM practice, herbalists typically recommend Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion complaints that include several of the following:

Poor appetite or a notable loss of interest in food
Abdominal bloating or distension, especially after meals
Loose stools or irregular bowel function
Nausea, particularly in the morning or shortly after eating
General fatigue and heaviness, especially post-meal
A pale, puffy complexion and consistently low energy
A preference for warm foods and sensitivity to cold foods or drinks

However, every patient’s presentation differs. Therefore, a qualified TCM practitioner can best assess whether Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion fits your full pattern before you begin.

How to Use Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for Digestion Support

Traditional TCM decoctions involve simmering dried herbs together in water for 30–40 minutes.

Herbal Clinic prepares Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion as a ready-made tincture. This format makes the formula accessible without requiring you to source, weigh, and cook eight individual herbs. Additionally, a tincture offers consistent dosing and a longer shelf life compared to fresh decoctions prepared daily.

In traditional TCM practice, herbalists prepare the formula as a decoction. They place the dried herbs in a clay or ceramic pot, cover them with water, and simmer for 30–40 minutes. The resulting tea delivers the full spectrum of water-soluble active compounds from each ingredient. However, many modern patients and practitioners prefer the convenience of a tincture or granule formula instead — and for most people, these forms produce equivalent results with far less preparation time.

Working with a TCM Practitioner

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang suits a well-defined TCM pattern. Yet TCM formulas work best when a practitioner matches them to your full presentation. A trained practitioner will assess your Tongue and Pulse alongside your symptoms before recommending a formula. Furthermore, they may adjust herb proportions or add new herbs to target patterns specific to you.

For example, someone with pronounced cold in the middle burner may benefit from adding warming herbs like Gan Jiang or Ding Xiang. Someone with significant Heat signs alongside deficiency would need a different approach entirely. These nuanced adjustments go beyond what a fixed formula can provide on its own. Therefore, working with a qualified practitioner produces the most precise and lasting results.

Additionally, TCM dietary guidance pairs well with this formula. In TCM, the Spleen benefits from warm, cooked foods and suffers from raw or cold foods, excess dairy, and iced drinks. Even simple shifts toward warmer, easier-to-digest meals can amplify the formula’s restorative action considerably. Consequently, many practitioners combine formula support with basic dietary adjustments for best outcomes.

Duration and Consistency

Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang for digestion suits long-term, consistent use. TCM formulas for deficiency patterns typically require weeks to months before the underlying weakness resolves. In contrast to symptomatic treatments, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang restores the Spleen function that drives healthy digestion. As a result, the improvements build gradually and tend to last longer than short-term interventions.

Most practitioners recommend an initial course of four to eight weeks, reassessing at that point based on how the pattern responds. Moreover, Mu Xiang and Sha Ren often produce quick relief of bloating and distension, even early in treatment. This gives a noticeable improvement in comfort while the deeper tonic work continues.

Quality and Sourcing

At Herbal Clinic, we source each of the eight herbs in this formula to the same quality standards we apply across our full range. We make our tinctures using careful alcohol extraction at controlled ratios. Furthermore, every batch undergoes sensory evaluation before bottling to confirm the quality and potency our clinical team expects. Our herbalists review each formula to ensure the ingredients meet the standards that clinical use demands.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on April 28, 2026May 19, 2026

Ping Wei San for Bloating and Dampness: A Guide to the Classic Formula

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Ping Wei San for Bloating and Dampness: Origins and Tradition

Magnolia officinalis — the bark of this tree provides Hou Po, one of the six herbs in Ping Wei San.

Ping Wei San for bloating and dampness is one of the oldest and most reliably used formulas in classical Chinese medicine, with roots stretching back nearly a thousand years. The formula first appeared in the Hejiju Fang, a Song Dynasty medical text compiled in 1078 CE. In fact, practitioners across East Asia have continued to use it ever since, making it one of the most enduring formulas in the TCM digestive canon.

The name is a direct description of its purpose. Ping means to calm or pacify. Wei refers to the Stomach. San means powder. Together, the name points to its central action: settling the Stomach and clearing what disrupts it. Historically, herbalists ground the herbs into a coarse powder and simmered them with fresh ginger and jujube dates. Today, Herbal Clinic prepares Ping Wei San as a liquid tincture for easier daily use.

The formula addresses a specific TCM pattern: dampness accumulating in the Middle Jiao. In TCM, the Middle Jiao is the digestive centre. The Spleen and Stomach work together there to transform food into usable energy and distribute it through the body. When dampness builds up in this region, it blocks the Spleen’s natural transforming action. As a result, food and fluid accumulate instead of moving freely, and the Stomach fills with a heavy, stagnant feeling.

Dampness in TCM is not a vague metaphor. It refers to a specific set of conditions. These develop from poor diet, damp environments, or a constitutionally weak digestive system. The Spleen is particularly vulnerable to dampness. Consequently, when it becomes overburdened, it loses its ability to move things along.

The Six Herbs in the Herbal Clinic Formula

The six herbs in the Herbal Clinic formula each play a distinct role. White Atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala, Bai Zhu) serves as the primary herb — it dries dampness and strengthens Spleen function. Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis, Hou Po), in addition, moves Qi downward and relieves the sensation of fullness and distension. Aged tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata, Chen Pi) also regulates Qi flow and further dries dampness. Honey-fried licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Zhi Gan Cao) tonifies Spleen Qi and harmonizes the other herbs. Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale, Sheng Jiang), moreover, warms the Stomach and dispels cold. Finally, smoked jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, Da Zao) supports Spleen Qi and nourishes the blood.

Furthermore, Ping Wei San has served as a base formula for many other classical digestive formulas. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, for instance, builds on this foundation by adding warming and Qi-moving herbs for more complex patterns. Understanding this formula, therefore, gives insight into a broader family of formulas used across TCM digestive medicine.

How Ping Wei San Addresses Bloating and Dampness in the Body

Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) is one of the six herbs in Ping Wei San, where it warms the Stomach and dispels cold.

Ping Wei San for bloating and dampness targets what TCM practitioners call Damp Obstruction of the Spleen. This pattern has a recognizable set of signs. The main complaint is usually a sensation of distension or fullness in the upper abdomen, particularly after meals. Appetite drops. The body feels heavy. Bowel movements may be loose or irregular. Moreover, a thick, greasy white coating on the tongue provides a reliable clinical sign for practitioners evaluating this pattern.

But there is more to it than that. The dampness creates a kind of internal stagnation. Qi — the functional energy that drives digestion — cannot move normally when dampness clogs the middle. Consequently, this produces not just physical discomfort but also mental sluggishness and fatigue. Many patients describe it as feeling weighed down, both physically and mentally, after eating.

Who Is Most Likely to Develop This Pattern?

The pattern that Ping Wei San targets tends to develop gradually. Specifically, common contributing factors include:

A diet high in cold, raw, or dairy-rich foods
Irregular meal timing or eating under stress
Living or working in damp, humid conditions
A constitution that tends toward digestive weakness

Additionally, TCM practitioners often see this pattern after illness, holiday excess, or long periods of poor eating. These experiences weaken the Spleen’s transforming function. Dampness then moves in to fill the gap.

Here is why Ping Wei San works so well for this presentation: the formula pairs herbs that dry dampness — Bai Zhu, Hou Po, and Chen Pi — with herbs that move Qi to break up the stagnation. It does not simply suppress symptoms. In fact, it restores the Spleen’s ability to move and transform by clearing what blocks it.

How Ping Wei San Clears Dampness

Furthermore, each herb contributes in a specific way. Researchers have studied White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) for its effects on gastric motility and gut flora. Findings suggest it promotes intestinal movement and reduces bacterial overgrowth. Additionally, Magnolia bark (Hou Po) contains plant compounds honokiol and magnolol. Studies have linked these compounds to smooth muscle relaxation and improved gastric emptying. Aged tangerine peel also provides volatile oils that stimulate digestive secretions and reduce gas. Meanwhile, ginger (Sheng Jiang) supports gastric motility and exerts a warming action on the stomach lining. For a summary of relevant research, see the listings on PubMed.

In contrast to tonifying formulas like Si Jun Zi Tang, Ping Wei San focuses on clearing and moving. For this reason, TCM practitioners typically reserve it for patterns where dampness is clearly the dominant concern. When bloating and dampness are the central issue, Ping Wei San is the classic first choice. A thick greasy tongue coating confirms the pattern.

Herbal Clinic’s version uses White Atractylodes rather than Cang Zhu (grey Atractylodes). This choice produces a formula with slightly more Spleen-tonifying action alongside the dampness-clearing work. As a result, it suits patients who present with a mix of dampness obstruction and mild underlying Spleen deficiency — a combination that is common in modern clinical practice.

How to Use Ping Wei San for Bloating and Digestive Dampness

Herbal Clinic prepares Ping Wei San as a liquid tincture using a 1:5 extraction ratio.

Ping Wei San for bloating and dampness is available from Herbal Clinic as a liquid tincture. Herbal Clinic prepares it with a 1:5 extraction ratio using pharmaceutical-grade alcohol. Moreover, this extraction draws out the volatile oils from Chen Pi and bitter compounds from Hou Po. It also extracts Bai Zhu’s active parts more efficiently than powders or capsules allow.

In fact, tinctures offer a practical advantage over traditional decoctions — no preparation time, consistent dosing, and easy daily use. Most people find it convenient to take before or after meals, particularly at dinner. The tincture format also makes it easier to combine with other formulas when a practitioner recommends a broader protocol.

Additionally, TCM practice traditionally combines Ping Wei San with dietary adjustments that support the Spleen. Practitioners recommend warm, cooked foods over cold or raw meals when this pattern is active. Furthermore, reducing dairy, sugar, and alcohol — all of which contribute to internal dampness in TCM terms — supports the formula’s clearing action. Overall, these are not strict rules, but adjustments that many people find genuinely helpful alongside herbal support.

How It Fits With Other Digestive Formulas

For those familiar with other formulas in the Herbal Clinic TCM range, Ping Wei San works well alongside Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen), which focuses on tonifying Spleen Qi rather than clearing dampness. When both patterns are present — deficiency and dampness — the two formulas complement each other well. Similarly, if bloating and dampness occur alongside acid reflux or burning, practitioners often consider Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, which addresses both Stomach rebellious Qi and heat signs.

Most importantly, Ping Wei San is a targeted formula. It suits situations where dampness is clearly the central issue. In short, when the tongue coating confirms the pattern, it is one of the most direct formulas in the classical digestive canon.

What to Expect When Using Ping Wei San

In clinical practice, people taking Ping Wei San for bloating and dampness typically notice improvement in abdominal fullness within the first few weeks. The heavy, sluggish feeling after meals tends to ease. Appetite improves. Bowel movements often become more regular. Additionally, many people report that the mental heaviness associated with this pattern begins to lift as well.

However, herbal support works best alongside lifestyle changes. Consistent meal times, warm cooked foods, and moderate physical activity all support the Spleen’s function. Each of these adjustments complements the formula’s action. As a result, combining Ping Wei San with these changes tends to produce more lasting improvements than relying on the formula alone.

Herbal Clinic makes Ping Wei San in Toronto, Ontario, using organically sourced herbs wherever available. Each batch goes through third-party testing and an in-house sensory review before final bottling. These standards ensure that what you receive has the potency and character the formula requires. Notably, the formula comes in four sizes — 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL. This range makes it suitable for short-term use and longer clinical protocols.

For anyone working with a registered TCM practitioner or naturopathic doctor, Ping Wei San for bloating and dampness is worth discussing as part of a broader digestive support protocol. It is particularly relevant in spring — a season when damp-type digestive complaints tend to be most common.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on April 27, 2026May 19, 2026

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang for Acid Reflux and Bloating: What It Is and How It Works

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang for Acid Reflux and Bloating — What Is This Formula?

The key herbs in Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang include classical Chinese root slices used in the original Shang Han Lun formula

Ban xia xie xin tang for acid reflux and bloating has been a core digestive formula in Chinese medicine for over 1,800 years. Practitioners still rely on it today because it targets a pattern that is surprisingly common: the stomach runs too hot and the spleen runs too cold — at the same time.

Here is why that matters: this mixed picture does not respond well to one-directional remedies. Cooling herbs alone can worsen the cold side. Warming herbs alone can fan the heat. Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang holds both ends of the pattern simultaneously, making it one of the few classical formulas suited to this presentation.

A Formula from the Shang Han Lun

The formula originates in the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), written by Zhang Zhongjing around 200 CE. It ranks among the most cited classical formulas still in active clinical use. The Chinese name translates as “Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium.” The epigastrium — the region between the navel and the sternum — is where most of the target symptoms gather.

Zhang Zhongjing designed this formula for cases where the middle burner had lost its balance. Cold and heat bind together in the digestive centre. As a result, the stomach can no longer descend its contents properly. Qi rebels upward instead — producing acid, nausea, and hiccup. Meanwhile, the spleen fails to manage dampness. This leads to gas, distension, and loose stools.

Furthermore, the formula found wide use beyond China. In Japan, a version called Hange-shashin-to appears in the Kampo tradition and has been examined in clinical trials for functional dyspepsia and chemotherapy-induced nausea. This broad adoption across East Asian herbal medicine reflects how consistently the pattern appears in practice.

In Western clinical terms, this presentation often shows up as functional dyspepsia, GERD, or IBS with a mixed symptom picture.

The Seven Herbs Inside the Formula

Each herb plays a distinct role. Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) is the chief herb — it dries dampness, descends rebellious qi, and stops nausea. Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) are bitter and cold; they clear heat from the stomach lining. Gan Jiang (dried ginger root) warms the spleen and addresses the cold component directly.

In addition, Ren Shen (Korean red ginseng root), Da Zao (smoked jujube berry), and Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root) support spleen qi and harmonize the whole combination. Together, the formula addresses acid reflux and bloating through the core mechanism ban xia xie xin tang relies on: descending rebellious stomach qi while clearing heat above and warming cold below.

Herbal Clinic prepares Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang using all seven classical herbs, extracted as a 1:5 tincture with 200 mg of herb per mL.

How Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Addresses Acid Reflux and Bloating

Dried ginger root (Gan Jiang) warms the spleen and counters the cold component in the Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang formula

Studies examining ban xia xie xin tang for acid reflux and bloating show the formula targets the disharmony between stomach heat and spleen cold directly. Modern research has begun to identify mechanisms that align closely with its classical actions.

How the Herbs Work Together

The formula works by clearing heat from above while warming cold below — two actions running at the same time. This is the key distinction from single-ingredient remedies.

Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) contains berberine, a plant compound with well-studied effects on gut bacteria, gastric acid output, and gut motility. Research indexed in PubMed links berberine to reduced gastric inflammation and improved digestive transit. Huang Qin contributes a similar clearing action through plant antioxidants including baicalin and wogonin, which the herb contains in substantial amounts.

At the same time, Ban Xia and Gan Jiang address the cold component. Dried ginger root warms the middle burner, moves stagnant qi, and reduces nausea. Ban Xia acts directly on rebellious stomach qi, supporting downward movement of stomach contents. Together, these two herbs counterbalance the cooling effect of Huang Lian and Huang Qin.

Furthermore, the tonic herbs — Ren Shen, Da Zao, and Zhi Gan Cao — address the underlying spleen weakness. A spleen that lacks qi cannot manage dampness or maintain smooth flow through the digestive tract. By restoring spleen qi, the formula works toward preventing recurrence, not just easing symptoms in the short term.

Is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang Right for Acid Reflux and Bloating?

In people with acid reflux and bloating, ban xia xie xin tang works best when the clinical picture includes both heat and cold signs together. The classic presentation involves a feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the epigastric region, audible gurgling — TCM practitioners call this borborygmus — loose stools, and upward-moving acid or nausea.

However, the formula is specific to this mixed picture. Someone with pure heat — burning reflux, red tongue, rapid pulse — may need a formula with stronger cooling emphasis. Someone with pure cold and deficiency, without any heat element, may respond better to Si Jun Zi Tang, which focuses on rebuilding spleen qi rather than clearing heat.

Ban xia xie xin tang’s ability to manage both acid reflux and bloating simultaneously sets it apart from single-action remedies. Nevertheless, precision matters — the formula works when the pattern matches, and that matching is what experienced TCM practitioners assess before prescribing.

Modern practitioners also apply it for post-antibiotic digestive disruption, gastritis, and nausea from chemotherapy — always under professional guidance with pattern confirmation first.

How to Take Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang — What to Expect

Classical Chinese formulas combine multiple herbs to address the whole pattern — not just individual symptoms in isolation

Herbal Clinic carries ban xia xie xin tang for acid reflux and bloating as a 1:5 alcohol-based tincture at 200 mg of herb per mL. The formula comes in 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL amber glass bottles. Dropper tops are available for the 100mL size; larger sizes use a screw cap.

Practical Guidance Before You Begin

In clinical practice, practitioners often prescribe this formula in small, frequent doses throughout the day rather than one large daily amount. This approach helps maintain a steady effect on stomach qi. The tincture format makes dose adjustment straightforward compared to capsules or granules.

A few things to consider before starting:

This formula suits a specific TCM pattern. It works best when the presentation includes both heat and cold signs — not one alone.
A qualified TCM practitioner can confirm whether Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang fits your individual picture before you begin.
For digestive concerns tied more to constipation than to bloating and reflux, Ma Zi Ren Wan addresses a distinct but closely related digestive pattern.
Avoid use during pregnancy or while taking medications without first consulting a health practitioner.

When using ban xia xie xin tang for acid reflux and bloating, matching the formula to the pattern is what determines how well it works. This holds true for most classical Chinese formulas — they are precise clinical tools, not general digestive supplements.

Moreover, Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang fits within a broader TCM digestive toolkit. Other formulas in the classical tradition handle different patterns. Si Jun Zi Tang addresses pure spleen qi deficiency. Ping Wei San clears dampness and stagnation. Ma Zi Ren Wan treats heat-type constipation with intestinal dryness. Choosing the right formula starts with identifying the right pattern — and that is where trained TCM practitioners add the most value.

Herbal Clinic makes all tinctures in Toronto, Ontario, using reverse osmosis water and gluten-free pharmaceutical-grade alcohol. Third-party lab testing confirms purity and identity before every batch leaves production.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

Are your products gluten-free?

How should I use your products? What’s the recommended dose?

For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.

Posted on April 24, 2026May 19, 2026

Ma Zi Ren Wan for Constipation: A Classical Chinese Formula

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Ma Zi Ren Wan for Constipation: History and Origins

Known as the Hemp Seed Pill, this formula has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for nearly 2,000 years.

Ma zi ren wan for constipation is one of the oldest formulas in Chinese herbal medicine. Zhang Zhongjing first recorded it in the Shang Han Lun — the Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders — around 200 CE. That is nearly 2,000 years ago. Indeed, practitioners still reach for this formula today, particularly when patients present with dry, hard stools and persistent straining.

Here’s what distinguishes it from most modern approaches: it does not work by forcing the bowels. Instead, it moistens dry intestinal tissue and clears the internal heat that produced the dryness. The result is a gentler, more sustainable approach to a pattern that harsh laxatives often make worse over time.

A Classical Pattern: Pi Yue

The Shang Han Lun is one of the foundational texts in TCM clinical practice. Zhang Zhongjing organised it around specific disease patterns — detailed clinical pictures that guide formula selection with precision. Ma Zi Ren Wan belongs to the pattern called Pi Yue, which translates roughly as Spleen constraint.

The Pi Yue framework used pattern-based medicine as its core approach. A practitioner did not simply treat the symptom of constipation — they identified the mechanism behind it and selected a formula to match. This means Ma Zi Ren Wan is not a one-size-fits-all laxative. It is a targeted formula for a specific clinical picture.

In Pi Yue, excess heat accumulates in the Stomach. In time, that heat dries out the large intestine. The Spleen, responsible for distributing fluids throughout the body, cannot keep pace. As a result, stool becomes dry and difficult to pass. Also, infrequent bowel movements, straining, and a sense of incomplete emptying are common signs of this pattern.

Furthermore, Pi Yue is not the same as constipation from cold, deficiency, or pure qi stagnation. Each pattern calls for a different formula. A warming formula would worsen the Pi Yue picture. For instance, a strong purgative might offer short-term relief but would not restore moisture to the intestines. Ma Zi Ren Wan targets dryness and heat together — that specificity is what makes it effective for this presentation.

The Six-Herb Formula

The formula’s English name — Hemp Seed Pill — comes from its chief herb. That herb is Ma Zi Ren, or hemp seed (Cannabis sativa). In fact, hemp seed is rich in plant oils and fatty acids. It acts as a moistening agent for the intestinal lining. The five supporting herbs are:

Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren, Prunus armeniaca): moistens the lungs and large intestine; supports downward qi movement
White Peony root (Bai Shao, Paeonia lactiflora): nourishes blood and yin; helps restore the body’s fluid resources
Rhubarb root (Da Huang, Rheum palmatum): clears Stomach heat; moves the bowels with a mild downward action
Magnolia bark (Hou Po, Magnolia officinalis): moves stagnant qi in the digestive tract
Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi, Citrus aurantium): breaks up qi accumulation; supports downward intestinal movement

Together, these six herbs address the full Pi Yue picture. That means dryness, heat, and qi stagnation in the large intestine. In contemporary herbal practice, ma zi ren wan for constipation remains one of the most frequently prescribed TCM formulas for this pattern. Herbal Clinic prepares it as a liquid tincture, available in sizes from 100mL to 1000mL.

How Ma Zi Ren Wan Works for Constipation

Classical TCM formulas combine multiple herbs into precise, balanced preparations.

Understanding how ma zi ren wan works for constipation means looking at each herb’s contribution. This is not a one-ingredient preparation. Specifically, it combines moistening agents, heat-clearing herbs, and qi-movers into a single, balanced formula. Moreover, each ingredient addresses a different part of the Pi Yue picture.

What Each Herb Contributes

Hemp seed (Ma Zi Ren) anchors the formula with its lubricating action. It is rich in plant fats and oils — natural compounds that coat and soften dry intestinal tissue. In modern terms, it acts as a gentle emollient for the large intestine. Additionally, hemp seed contains proteins and plant fats that support the gut lining over time.

However, hemp seed alone would not fully resolve the Pi Yue pattern. That is why rhubarb root (Da Huang) plays a key supporting role. In particular, rhubarb contains natural plant compounds that stimulate intestinal movement and clear Stomach heat. It also adds a mild downward-draining action to the formula. Importantly, the moistening herbs keep this action in balance. The result is easier bowel movement without the cramping or fluid loss that harsh purgatives can cause.

White Peony root (Bai Shao) nourishes blood and yin in TCM terms. Both relate to the body’s fluid reserves. In a dryness pattern, replenishing these reserves helps restore moisture to the intestinal lining. As a result, stool softens gradually over time. Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) works in a similar direction. In TCM, the lungs and large intestine are paired organs. Consequently, Apricot Kernel moistens both, supporting downward qi movement through the digestive tract.

For their part, Magnolia bark (Hou Po) and Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi) bring qi-moving action to the formula. In constipation, qi often backs up alongside fluid deficiency. Therefore, moving that qi helps restore the downward flow the intestines need to function. These two herbs ensure the formula does not simply add moisture — it also clears the way for normal bowel movement to resume.

Research and Clinical Findings

In TCM theory, this aligns with how the formula is built. Herbs that clear heat and move qi tend to produce results quickly. Moistening and nourishing herbs, however, take longer to rebuild the body’s fluid resources. In practice, this means the formula often offers some relief early on while also supporting a more gradual restoration of intestinal moisture with continued use.

Modern research has examined ma zi ren wan for constipation in clinical settings. Studies published in journals including the World Journal of Gastroenterology have found the formula associated with improved stool consistency. Researchers also noted reduced straining in participants with functional constipation. Additional studies have explored its use in post-operative constipation and IBS with a constipation-dominant pattern.

Most importantly, practitioners note that this formula is generally well-tolerated for longer-term use. Indeed, many laxative herbs produce dependence or rebound constipation when stopped. Ma Zi Ren Wan does not carry that same risk, largely because moistening — not forcing — is its primary action. For chronic dry constipation, that distinction matters.

How to Take Ma Zi Ren Wan for Constipation

Herbal Clinic prepares Ma Zi Ren Wan as a liquid tincture using the six classical herbs.

At Herbal Clinic, ma zi ren wan for constipation is prepared as a liquid tincture. This format has practical advantages over the traditional pill or granule form. Furthermore, liquid extracts absorb efficiently. They also allow a practitioner to adjust quantities without switching products.

Choosing a Size

The formula is available in four sizes: 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL. For a first use, the 100mL is a good starting point. The 250mL and 500mL are the most popular sizes for ongoing use. The 1000mL suits households where the formula is used regularly by more than one person.

You typically take liquid tinctures diluted in a small amount of warm water. How and when to take this formula is best guided by a practitioner trained in TCM. In particular, the pattern matters here. Someone whose constipation stems from cold or deficiency would need a different formula entirely. A TCM practitioner can assess whether the Pi Yue picture fits your situation.

It is also worth noting how this formula differs from single-herb laxatives. A herb like senna or cascara primarily purges — it forces the bowels with a strong downward action. Ma Zi Ren Wan does not work this way. Furthermore, it does not deplete fluids in the process. That makes it a fundamentally different kind of digestive support, and one that suits longer periods of use.

Who This Formula Suits

Ma Zi Ren Wan suits dry constipation specifically. This means hard stools that are difficult to pass, infrequent bowel movements, and a sense of intestinal dryness. For example, someone who notices constipation worsening in dry conditions or during periods of low fluid intake may be showing this pattern. In TCM, the Pi Yue picture often presents alongside other signs of dryness — dry skin, dry lips, or low thirst.

Additionally, the tincture form suits longer treatment periods well. In TCM clinical practice, addressing a chronic dryness pattern takes time. The body rebuilds its fluid resources gradually. A daily tincture is easier to maintain than counting pills or mixing granules — especially for those using herbal medicine as part of a broader wellness routine.

In practice, this formula sometimes combines well with others. Those with Spleen qi deficiency alongside the dryness pattern may benefit from pairing Ma Zi Ren Wan with Si Jun Zi Tang for digestive qi support. People with concurrent fatigue and poor digestion might also benefit from Gui Pi Tang for fatigue and digestive weakness. A qualified practitioner guides these combinations based on the full clinical picture.

Overall, Herbal Clinic sources each of the six herbs to consistent quality standards. Each batch undergoes evaluation before bottling. Because of this, what you receive reflects the classical six-herb ratio — not a simplified extract. The tincture contains Roasted Hemp Seed, Apricot Kernel Seed, White Peony, Rhubarb, Magnolia, and Roasted Unripe Bitter Orange, prepared in reverse osmosis water and gluten-free pharmaceutical grade alcohol.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FAQ

What makes your products special and unique?

Superior Sourcing: Our herbs are sourced from all over the world to avoid seasonal fluctuations in availability, keeping herbs accessible. Our suppliers meet strict standards that ensure top quality herbs, most of which are organic, wildcrafted, sustainably grown, or grown using permaculture. We support local farmers and grow many of our own herbs.
Superior Processing: Our tinctures are made using the classic tincturing method. The tinctures are made in a 1:5 ratio which allows for the optimal extraction of the herb. The alcohol percentage is strictly controlled depending on the herb and part of the plant that is used.
Superior Selection: We take pride in our growing selection of over 300 individual herbs. If we don’t carry the herb you’re seeking, we can likely track it down for you.
Superior Quality Control: Our tinctures are thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and with an organoleptic evaluation by our team of herbalists prior to final bottling.
Superior Price: Our tinctures are more cost-effective than other tinctures on the market. With an eye towards efficiency, we keep our costs low by maintaining good relationships with our wide network of suppliers and ordering herbs in bulk quantities.
We Care About the Environment: We repackage materials that are shipped to us (so don’t be surprised if our packages look different from time to time!). We recycle or reuse materials whenever possible. We turn the cardboard we receive from other suppliers into packing material. We donate to avoid waste to groups like Naturopaths Without Borders. Our workforce almost completely uses public transportation or bikes. We are powered using 100% renewable energy through Bullfrog Power.
We Donate To Charity: We support many causes that make the world better. We donate a portion of our profits or products. These include charities that support environmental and natural sustainability.

How do I order herbs from you?

Set up an online account and order through the website. If you don’t have an account and place an order, one will be created for you.

I heard your email list is the best in town. How can I get on that?

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list.

Are your products Canadian?

Are your products organic?

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Posted on April 23, 2026May 19, 2026

Si Jun Zi Tang: A Guide to the Four Gentlemen Formula

Part of our complete guide to classical Chinese digestive formulas.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | FAQ

Si Jun Zi Tang: The Four Gentlemen Formula

Ginseng root — the chief herb in Si Jun Zi Tang

Si Jun Zi Tang, the Four Gentlemen Formula, is one of the most studied classical formulas in Chinese medicine. Practitioners have relied on the Si Jun Zi Tang Four Gentlemen Formula for nearly a thousand years, tracing its origins to the Song Dynasty text Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang, compiled in 1078 CE. Indeed, few classical formulas have held their place so consistently across time and clinical tradition.

The name tells you something about the formula’s character. In classical Chinese culture, a gentleman does not push, drain, or force. Instead, he restores through quiet virtue. The Four Gentlemen Formula works the same way — it strengthens the digestive system gently, without depleting the little energy that remains.

Here’s why that matters:

In TCM, the Spleen governs digestion in a much broader sense than the anatomical organ. It’s the central system responsible for extracting nutrients from food, transforming them into Qi and Blood, and distributing that energy throughout the body. When Spleen Qi runs low, the body can’t draw nourishment from what it eats. You eat, but the energy doesn’t arrive. Fatigue builds. Appetite fades. Digestion slows. That’s the pattern Si Jun Zi Tang addresses.

The Four Herbs and Their Roles

Ren Shen (Korean Red Ginseng / Panax ginseng) — the chief herb. Ginseng tonifies Yuan Qi, the body’s foundational energy, and strengthens Spleen function directly. It lifts the Spleen’s capacity to transform and transport nutrients from food.
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes / Atractylodes macrocephala) — the deputy herb. Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and clears Dampness — the TCM term for the heaviness and fluid buildup that accumulates when digestion is weak.
Fu Ling (Poria / Poria cocos) — the assistant herb. Poria leaches out Dampness gently and calms the mind. It works with Bai Zhu to clear what a weakened Spleen can’t manage alone.
Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice / Glycyrrhiza uralensis) — the envoy herb. Honey-roasted licorice harmonizes the other three herbs and moderates Ginseng’s stronger action. It also adds a mild, tonifying action of its own.

Its Place in Classical TCM

In TCM, formulas fall into categories based on their function. In fact, Si Jun Zi Tang belongs to the class of bu qi — Qi-tonifying formulas. Furthermore, it’s one of the four foundational tonic formulas in the classical Chinese materia medica, alongside formulas that address blood, yin, and yang deficiency. This foundational status reflects its consistency — practitioners return to it because it works reliably for the pattern it addresses.

In particular, many well-known formulas incorporate Si Jun Zi Tang’s four herbs at their core. For example, Ba Zhen Tang — the Eight Treasures Formula — combines Si Jun Zi Tang with a blood-nourishing formula to treat both Qi and blood deficiency at once. Si Jun Zi Tang provides the foundation. Additional herbs refine the action for the specific pattern.

What the Four Gentlemen Formula Treats

Si Jun Zi Tang tincture — available at Herbal Clinic in 100mL to 1000mL sizes

Si Jun Zi Tang — the Four Gentlemen Formula — targets Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with precision. In fact, this is not a broad wellness tonic. It fits one specific pattern, and when that pattern is present, the results tend to be clear.

Signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency

A TCM practitioner looks for a distinct set of signs before recommending Si Jun Zi Tang:

Low energy that doesn’t recover with rest
A weak or absent appetite
Bloating or heaviness after meals
Loose stools or unformed bowel movements
A pale complexion with little natural colour
A pale tongue with a thin white coating
A weak pulse, especially in the Spleen position on the right wrist

Furthermore, many people notice their digestion declined after a long illness, a period of poor nutrition, or prolonged stress. For this reason, Si Jun Zi Tang works especially well in recovery phases — when the system needs rebuilding rather than stimulating.

However, the formula does not suit every case of fatigue or digestive trouble. Someone with Liver Qi stagnation, Dampness-Heat, or active inflammation may need a different approach. This is where working with a qualified TCM practitioner makes a real difference. A full assessment — tongue, pulse, signs, and history — determines whether the pattern matches before a formula is chosen.

Four Gentlemen Formula Research and Evidence

Modern research has looked at several of this formula’s active plant compounds. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) contains ginsenosides — plant compounds that research links to energy support, immune modulation, and reduced fatigue. Poria (Poria cocos) contains beta-glucans, complex plant sugars that support gut immune function.

However, TCM formulas work as systems. Studies on the whole formula — rather than single isolated compounds — show effects on gastrointestinal motility and gut barrier function. Additionally, research has looked at Si Jun Zi Tang in supporting digestive health during chemotherapy recovery, consistent with its traditional role in rebuilding a weakened Spleen system. For further reading, a search on PubMed for Si Jun Zi Tang returns over 200 peer-reviewed references.

That said, this research is ongoing. Most importantly, practitioners have refined this combination of four herbs over centuries of clinical use — long before controlled trials existed. That tradition carries real weight when evaluating the formula’s clinical value.

Read our guide to Gui Pi Tang for fatigue, anxiety, and poor memory — a related Qi and Blood tonic that practitioners often pair with Si Jun Zi Tang in more complex formulas.

How to Use the Si Jun Zi Tang Four Gentlemen Formula

Herbal preparation in the classical tradition — the foundation of our tincture-making process

At Herbal Clinic, the Si Jun Zi Tang Four Gentlemen Formula is available as a liquid tincture, made in small batches in Toronto, Ontario. The formula contains Korean Red Ginseng, White Atractylodes, Poria, and Honey-Fried Licorice. Additionally, Herbal Clinic extracts these herbs in a base of reverse osmosis water and pharmaceutical-grade gluten-free alcohol.

Tinctures absorb faster than capsules. They also blend easily with other herbs if a practitioner recommends a more complex formula. You can take the tincture directly or dilute it in a small amount of warm water.

Who Might Benefit

Overall, this is a gentle formula. It doesn’t push, heat, cool, or drain — it builds. Because of this, it suits people who are chronically fatigued, have weak digestion after illness or stress, or eat reasonably well but can’t seem to hold their energy.

Many TCM practitioners use Si Jun Zi Tang as a base, layering additional herbs on top. For example, Ba Zhen Tang combines Si Jun Zi Tang with Si Wu Tang to address both Qi and blood deficiency at once. This reflects a core principle in TCM — build the foundation first, then refine the formula for the individual pattern.

Moreover, many practitioners use the Si Jun Zi Tang Four Gentlemen Formula alongside Western herbal or naturopathic protocols. Its gentle Qi-building action supports rather than interferes with other treatments. As a result, it’s a common long-term tonic in integrative practice.

Si Jun Zi Tang contains Ginseng. As a result, those sensitive to stimulating herbs should introduce it gradually. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and consult a health practitioner if you take prescription medications.

Furthermore, Herbal Clinic sources organically grown, wildcrafted, or small-farm herbs wherever possible. Si Jun Zi Tang is available in 100mL, 250mL, 500mL, and 1000mL sizes. In particular, the 250mL size suits most people starting with the formula for the first time.

These statements have not been evaluated by Health Canada. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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For liability and regulatory reasons, we don’t make any claims as to how our herbs should be used, including dosing recommendations. Please review our disclaimer, as well as our terms and policies.