1. Four Jun Soup-Type Formulas

1. Four Jun Soup-Type Formulas

Four Jun Soup is a renowned formula primarily indicated for spleen-stomach qi deficiency, clinically manifesting as pale complexion, poor appetite, fatigue, and lack of energy. This formula serves as the foundational prescription for treating cold-deficiency-related spleen-stomach syndromes in TCM. From a Western medical perspective, flavoring this formula can treat all chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including ulcers, atrophic gastritis, colitis, chronic dysentery, and even anemia, neurasthenia, and hair loss. In short, any condition associated with overall functional decline can often be treated through modifications and adaptations of this formula. Adding Banxia and Chenpi to Four Jun Soup results in Liu Jun Soup (as recorded in "Medical Orthodoxy"), primarily used for cold-deficient spleen-stomach, with chest and diaphragm fullness. Adding Chenpi creates Yigong San (as recorded in "Direct Explanation of Pediatric Medicines"), primarily used for cold-deficient spleen-stomach with no appetite. Adding Chenpi, Banxia, Muxiang, and Sharen results in Xiangsha Liu Jun Soup (as recorded in "Official Prescription"), primarily used for cold-deficient spleen-stomach with abdominal pain. Adding Flat Beans, Astragalus, ginger, and jujubes results in Liu Shen Soup (as recorded in "Effective Remedies"), primarily used for weak spleen-stomach, insufficient body fluids, and general fatigue. Adding Yam, White Flat Beans, Lotus Seed Meat, Jiegeng, Coix Seed, and Sharen results in Shenling Baizhu Soup (as recorded in "He Ji Ju Fang"), primarily used for spleen-stomach qi deficiency, dampness stagnating in the middle burner, clinically presenting with pale complexion, poor appetite, fatigue, lack of energy, abdominal bloating, intestinal rumbling, and diarrhea. Adding Danggui, Yuanrou, Muxiang, Yuanzhi, and Suanzaoren results in Gui Pi Tang (as recorded in "Ji Sheng Fang"), primarily used for simultaneous heart-spleen deficiency, presenting with pale complexion, poor appetite, fatigue, lack of energy, palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, frequent dreaming. Removing Fuling and adding Danggui, Astragalus, Chenpi, Shengma, and Chaihu results in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (as recorded in "Spleen-Stomach Theory"), primarily used for insufficient middle qi, presenting with pale complexion, poor appetite, fatigue, lack of energy, or accompanied by spontaneous sweating, craving hot drinks, headache and fear of cold, weak pulse; or accompanied by hematemesis, epistaxis, bloody stools, or urine.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang without Danggui, adding Muxiang and replacing Baizhu with Cangzhu, becomes Tiao Zhong Yi Qi Tang (as recorded in "Spleen-Stomach Theory"), primarily used for insufficient middle qi, spleen-stomach dampness, and chest fullness and fatigue due to poor qi circulation; adding Mai Dong, Cangzhu, Huangbo, and fried Shenqu results in Huangqi Renshen Tang (as recorded in "Spleen-Stomach Theory"), primarily used for summer heat too intense, damaging original qi, causing fatigue, drowsiness, fever, loss of appetite, and incessant sweating; removing Shengma and adding Banxia, Qianghuo, Duohuo, Bai Shao, Fangfeng, Fuling, Zexie, Huanglian, ginger, and Dazao results in Shengyang Yi Wei Tang (as recorded in "Lan Shi Mi Cang"), primarily used for spleen-stomach qi deficiency, abdominal discomfort, and limb pain.

Gui Pi Tang with Musk, Chen Sha, Yam, and Jiegeng becomes Miao Xiang San (as recorded in "He Ji Ju Fang"), primarily used for insufficient heart qi, indecisive will, palpitations, fear, and mood swings. Gui Pi Tang with Mai Dong and Wuweizi is an effective formula for treating low blood pressure.