四君子汤

Calculation of the total raw herb weight of the original formula:

Ren Shen (ginseng) 9 g + Bai Zhu (white atractylodes rhizome) 9 g + Fu Ling (poria) 9 g + Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried licorice root) 6 g = 33 g.

Converted to 5:1 granules:

33 g raw herbs ÷ 5 = 6.6 g granules.

Granule dose: Take dissolved in warm water twice daily, morning and evening, about 3.5 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

• [Contraindications]:
  1. This formula is a warming tonic; therefore it should be used with caution in patterns of excess heat or yin deficiency with effulgent fire (presenting as dry mouth and throat, dry stools, and a red tongue with little coating).
  2. It is not suitable for use when an unresolved exterior pattern from external contraction is present.
• [Characteristics]: This formula is the foundational formula among qi-tonifying formulas, with mild and balanced properties, and is often used as a base formula for regulating the Spleen and Stomach. Many tonifying formulas (such as Yi Gong San, Liu Jun Zi Tang, Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San) are derived by adding herbs to this formula.
• Modern applications: Widely used for chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, indigestion, chronic diarrhea, chronic hepatitis, anemia, and post-illness or postpartum weakness, in cases where the pattern is identified as Spleen-Stomach qi deficiency.
• Duration of use: This formula is a regulating formula; it must be taken persistently over a certain course to become effective. It may be taken long-term under a practitioner's guidance to achieve gradual results.