Liu Jun Zi Tang: A Gentle Remedy for Digestive Health
Health Lab- Feb 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Liu Jun Zi Tang, a classic formula from Yixue Zhengchuan, is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for nurturing the spleen and stomach. This blend of six herbs boosts energy, clears excess dampness, and soothes digestion, making it ideal for those with weak digestion or phlegm-related issues.
This article explains its ingredients, benefits, modern uses, and how simple dietary additions can enhance its effects.
What’s in Liu Jun Zi Tang?
This formula combines six herbs, each supporting the spleen and stomach:
Ginseng (9g): Boosts energy, strengthens the spleen, and sharpens the mind.
White atractylodes (9g): Supports digestion, reduces dampness, and energizes the body.
Poria mushroom (9g): Promotes digestion, clears dampness, and calms the mind.
Licorice root (6g): Harmonizes the formula, soothes digestion, and reduces irritation.
Pinellia root (9g): Dries dampness, clears phlegm, and eases nausea.
Tangerine peel (6g): Regulates energy flow, clears dampness, and supports digestion.
How to Use It
Boil the herbs in water to make a decoction, typically taken warm in divided doses. Follow a practitioner’s guidance for the right dosage and duration.
What It Does and When to Use It
Liu Jun Zi Tang strengthens the spleen and stomach, clears dampness and phlegm, and balances energy flow. It’s perfect for symptoms of spleen and stomach weakness, such as:
Loss of appetite, bloating, or nausea.
Loose stools, diarrhea, or indigestion.
Fatigue, pale complexion, or weak speech.
Chest tightness, cough with phlegm, or dizziness.
Sour taste in the mouth or headaches.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen transforms food into energy and nutrients for the body. When it’s weak, digestion falters, leading to dampness, phlegm, and low energy. This formula builds on the classic Si Jun Zi Tang (ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, and licorice) to boost energy and digestion, with pinellia and tangerine peel added to clear phlegm and ease discomfort.
Why It Works
Each herb has a unique role:
Ginseng and white atractylodes restore energy and strengthen digestion.
Poria clears dampness and calms the mind for better focus.
Licorice softens the formula’s effects and protects the stomach.
Pinellia tackles nausea and phlegm, balancing the formula’s warmth.
Tangerine peel keeps energy flowing smoothly to reduce bloating.
Together, they revive the spleen, clear blockages, and restore digestive harmony.
Modern Uses
Liu Jun Zi Tang is widely used for digestive and related conditions, including:
Digestive disorders: Chronic gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and gastroenteritis.
Respiratory issues: Bronchitis, chronic laryngitis, or whooping cough with phlegm.
Other conditions: Gastroesophageal reflux, pericarditis, hyperlipidemia, or anorexia nervosa.
General wellness: Boosts immunity, improves appetite, and eases fatigue.
Modern studies show it regulates gut motility, reduces bloating, and improves appetite, making it effective for indigestion, vomiting, or constipation.
Pairing with Food for Extra Relief
Enhance the formula’s effects with these nourishing foods:
Yam porridge: Cook yam with rice to support digestion and energy.
Red date soup: Boil red dates for a blood-nourishing, spleen-strengthening boost.
Barley porridge: Simmer barley to clear dampness and reduce bloating.
Things to Watch Out For
Not for yin deficiency: Avoid if you have dry cough, hot flashes, or other signs of yin deficiency.
Use cautiously: Pregnant women, children, or those with chronic illnesses should consult a doctor.
Allergies and interactions: Don’t use if allergic to any ingredients. Avoid combining with herbs like kansui, euphorbia, seaweed, or aconite, as they may clash with licorice, pinellia, or ginseng.
Seek guidance: Always consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for safe use.
Wrapping Up
Liu Jun Zi Tang is a trusted remedy for reviving the spleen and stomach, easing digestion, and clearing phlegm-related discomfort. Its blend of ginseng, white atractylodes, and other herbs tackles fatigue, bloating, and poor appetite, while modern research confirms its benefits for digestive and respiratory health. Pair it with simple foods like yam or red date soup for even better results. With professional guidance, this gentle formula can help you feel lighter, stronger, and more energized.
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