Liu Jun Zi Tang

Within this formula, Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), is the sovereign medicinal. It is sweet, warm, and greatly supplements the source or original qi. It also fortifies the spleen and nourishes the stomach. Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), is the minister. It is bitter, warm, and fortifies the spleen and dries dampness. The assistants are Fu Ling (Poria), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae), and Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae). Fu Ling is sweet, bland, and seeps dampness and fortifies the spleen. Used together, Fu Ling and Bai Zhus ability to fortify the spleen and eliminate dampness are strengthened, thus promoting movement and transformation. Ban Xia is acrid, warm, slightly toxic, transforms phlegm and eliminates dampness, harmonizes the stomach and downbears counterflow. Chen Pi is acrid, bitter, and warm, harmonizes the center and rectifies the qi, transforms phlegm and dries dampness. These two medicinals further strengthen the effects of Fu Ling and Bai Zhu in eliminating dampness as well as add the abilities of harmonizing the center and downbearing counterflow to this formula. The messenger or guide is mixfried Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae). It is sweet and warm and fortifies the spleen at the same time as it regulates the center. This formula comes from Bi Li-zhais Ming dynasty Jiao Zhu Fu Ren Liang Fang (Revised Fine Formulas for Women) published in the 16th century