1. Si Jun Zi Tang "Heji Jufang"

1. Si Jun Zi Tang ("Heji Jufang")

[Composition]
Renshen (without the rhizome)
Baizhu (roasted)
Fuling (peeled)
Gancao (equal parts)

[Administration]
Grind all ingredients into a fine powder, take 6 grams each time, and decoct in water. Modern usage: decoct in water, or prepare as pills, taking 6 grams each time with hot water.

[Indications]
Spleen and stomach qi deficiency.

[Symptoms]
Pale complexion, poor appetite, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

[Functions]
Strengthen the spleen and replenish qi.

[Formula Analysis]
The spleen and stomach are located in the middle, associated with the earth element, and have a yellow color; when qi is deficient, the complexion becomes pale. The spleen governs thinking and also oversees the transformation and transportation of food; when qi is deficient, appetite declines. The spleen governs muscles, so when qi is deficient, one feels fatigued. The spleen governs middle jiao qi, so when qi is deficient, one feels short of breath and speaks less. In this formula, renshen is warm and sweet, making it an excellent choice for strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, and thus serves as the principal herb. The spleen dislikes dampness, and when spleen and stomach qi are deficient, yang qi is also deficient, making it easy for dampness to prevail; baizhu is bitter and warm, strengthening the spleen and drying dampness, serving as a supplementary herb. Fuling is sweet and bland, draining dampness and promoting diuresis, working together with baizhu to address dampness—this is a complementary treatment. Gancao harmonizes all the herbs, acting as a guiding force.

[Clinical Modifications]

① Add chenpi to make Yigong San ("Xia’er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue"), used to treat spleen and stomach deficiency with poor appetite.

② Add chenpi and banxia to make Liu Jun Zi Tang ("Yixue Zhengchuan"), used to treat spleen and stomach deficiency with chest tightness and fullness.

③ Add chenpi, banxia, muxiang, and sha ren to make Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang ("Heji Jufang"), used to treat spleen and stomach deficiency with epigastric pain.

④ Add flat beans, huangqi, ginger, and dates to make Liu Shen San ("Xiaoliang Fang"), used to treat spleen and stomach deficiency with insufficient fluids and heat.

[References]

① A pale complexion indicates qi deficiency; faint speech indicates qi deficiency; weak limbs indicate qi deficiency! A weak pulse also indicates qi deficiency—so it is necessary to tonify qi. (From "Yifang Kao")

② Ms. Zhuang ××, female, suffered from long-term low-grade fever. On July 24, she was examined. Her temperature was 37.5°C, her pulse was weak and rapid, her tongue had a thin white coating, and she experienced intermittent abdominal distension and pain. It was determined that her condition was caused by spleen deficiency, so she was treated with Si Jun Zi Tang plus shanyao. One week later, both the low-grade fever and abdominal distension had subsided. She continued taking the prescription until August 14, when the low-grade fever and abdominal distension were completely cured. (From "Yue Mei TCM Case Collection")

③ Ms. Chen ××, 28 years old, office worker. In the summer of 1962, she first felt lower back pain and fatigue, followed by poor appetite, cloudy urine resembling rice-washing water with sediment like cream, sometimes with traces of blood, lower back pain, normal bowel movements, a white and slippery tongue coating, and a weak, soft pulse. It was decided to strengthen the spleen and kidney, so she was treated with Si Jun Zi Tang combined with Fengsui Dan. After ten doses, the cloudy urine gradually decreased, her appetite improved, and her spirits slightly recovered; after another three doses, the urine became clear; and after ten more doses, she fully recovered. (From "Fujian Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine," May 1964)

[Commentary] This formula is the foundational prescription for all chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic colitis, chronic hepatitis, and chronic pancreatitis.