Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang: A Soothing Remedy for Digestive Wellness
Health Lab- Feb 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, a time-honored formula from the Qing Dynasty’s Gujin Mingyi Fanglun by Luo Mei, builds on the work of typhoid scholar Ke Qin.
This gentle yet powerful blend of herbs strengthens the spleen, boosts energy, and eases digestion, making it ideal for those with weak digestion or bloating. This article explains its ingredients, benefits, modern uses, and how simple dietary tweaks can amplify its effects.
What’s in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang?
This formula combines eight herbs, each supporting digestion and energy:
Codonopsis root (9g): Boosts energy and strengthens the spleen.
White atractylodes (9g): Supports digestion and clears excess dampness.
Poria mushroom (9g): Promotes digestion, reduces dampness, and calms the mind.
Licorice root (6g): Harmonizes the formula and soothes the stomach.
Tangerine peel (6g): Regulates energy flow and clears dampness.
Pinellia root (9g): Dries dampness, clears phlegm, and eases nausea.
Costus root (6g): Promotes energy flow, reduces bloating, and aids digestion.
Amomum fruit (6g): Warms the stomach, boosts digestion, and clears dampness.
How to Use It
Boil the herbs in water to make a decoction, taken warm in divided doses. Follow a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner’s guidance for proper dosage and duration.
What It Does and When to Use It
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang strengthens the spleen and stomach, clears dampness and phlegm, and promotes smooth energy flow. It’s perfect for symptoms of spleen and stomach weakness, such as:
Bloating, chest tightness, or stomach discomfort after eating.
Poor appetite, nausea, or belching.
Heartburn, acid reflux, or vomiting.
Loose stools or diarrhea.
White, greasy tongue coating and a weak pulse.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen transforms food into energy. When it’s weak, digestion slows, causing dampness, phlegm, and bloating.
This formula builds on Liu Jun Zi Tang (codonopsis, white atractylodes, poria, licorice, tangerine peel, and pinellia) by adding costus root and amomum fruit to warm the stomach and enhance energy flow, making it especially effective for cold, stagnant digestion.
Why It Works
Each herb plays a key role:
Codonopsis and white atractylodes boost energy and digestion.
Poria clears dampness and supports spleen function.
Licorice balances the formula and protects the stomach.
Tangerine peel and costus root ease bloating and promote energy flow.
Pinellia clears phlegm and nausea.
Amomum fruit warms the stomach for smoother digestion.
Together, they revive the spleen, clear blockages, and restore digestive harmony.
Modern Uses
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is widely used for:
Digestive disorders: Gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and chronic peritonitis.
Gastrointestinal issues: Gastroptosis, hyperacidity, or loss of appetite.
Other conditions: Gastric cancer (supportive care), azotemia, or weak digestion.
General wellness: Boosts immunity, reduces bloating, and improves energy.
Modern research highlights its ability to regulate gut motility, reduce inflammation, and enhance digestion, making it effective for acid reflux, ulcers, and poor appetite.
How It Differs from Other Formulas
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is a step up from Liu Jun Zi Tang, which itself builds on Si Jun Zi Tang (codonopsis, white atractylodes, poria, licorice). The addition of tangerine peel and pinellia in Liu Jun Zi Tang clears phlegm, while costus root and amomum fruit in Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang add warmth and energy flow for colder, more stagnant cases.
Compared to Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which lifts energy, this formula focuses more on digestion and clearing food stagnation. For simple overeating, lighter formulas like Xiang Sha Zhi Shu Pills may suffice.
Customizing the Formula
Adjustments can be made based on symptoms:
Severe cold and weakness: Add cornelian cherry, dried ginger, or cinnamon.
Spleen and kidney weakness: Include psoralea seed or aconite.
Cold or flu symptoms: Add saposhnikovia, perilla leaf, bupleurum, or white peony.
Poor appetite: Include hawthorn or malt.
Acid reflux: Pair with Wubei San.
Diarrhea or dampness: Add pueraria root, talc, coix seed, or more white atractylodes.
Pairing with Food for Extra Relief
Boost the formula’s effects with these spleen-friendly foods:
Yam porridge: Cook yam with rice to strengthen digestion and energy.
Red date soup: Boil red dates to nourish blood and support the spleen.
Lotus seed porridge: Simmer lotus seeds to clear dampness and boost digestion.
Things to Watch Out For
Not for heat conditions: Avoid if you have yin deficiency, dry cough, or hot phlegm.
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 codonopsis.
Seek guidance: Always consult a practitioner for safe use.
Wrapping Up
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang is a gentle yet effective remedy for digestive woes, tackling spleen weakness, bloating, and phlegm with a blend of codonopsis, costus root, and other herbs. Its warming, energy-boosting effects make it a go-to for gastritis, ulcers, and poor appetite, with modern research backing its benefits. Pair it with foods like yam or red dates for even better results. With a practitioner’s guidance, this classic formula can help you feel lighter, stronger, and more balanced.
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