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Indicated for patients with a sallow and pale complexion (mian se wei bai), faint voice, weakness in the four limbs, and a weak pulse. If there is deficiency heat due to internal injury, or difficulty in digesting food leading to acid regurgitation, processed ginger (Pao Jiang) should be added.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), each 2 qian. Add fresh ginger and jujube, decoct in water and take orally. Adding Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Huo Xiang (Agastaches Herba), and Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) constitutes Qi Wei Bai Zhu San (Seven-Ingredient Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder). Adding Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) constitutes Wu Wei Yi Gong San (Five-Ingredient Yigong Powder). Adding Chen Pi and Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) constitutes Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Ingredient Gentleman Decoction). Adding Huo Xiang and Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus) constitutes Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Xiangsha Six-Ingredient Gentleman Decoction).

[Collected Annotations] Zhang Lu stated: For those with Qi deficiency, supplementation should be done using sweet flavors. Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao are sweet and warm; they benefit Stomach Qi and possess the function of strengthening and transporting, embodying the virtue of harmony and mildness, hence named "Jun Zi" (Gentlemen). Generally, a person's life relies on Stomach Qi as its foundation. When Stomach Qi is robust, the Five Zang organs receive nourishment; when Stomach Qi is injured, myriad diseases arise. Therefore, for chronic illnesses resulting in deficiency that do not heal, and where various medicines fail to produce effects, there are only two pathways: benefiting the Stomach and tonifying the Kidney. Thus, Liu Jun Zi Tang is used with modifications according to symptoms. Regardless of cold or heat, tonification or purgation methods, one first cultivates the Middle Earth (Spleen/Stomach), allowing medicinal qi to reach all directions. Then, the mechanism of movement throughout the body flows freely, and the essence and micro-nutrients from food and water are distributed. How could one worry about the ineffectiveness of the medicine! It is known that Liu Jun Zi Tang is the root of preserving life.

Wu Kun stated: A sallow and pale complexion indicates Qi deficiency through observation (Wang). A faint voice indicates Qi deficiency through listening/smelling (Wen). Weakness in the four limbs indicates Qi deficiency through inquiry (Wen). A weak pulse indicates Qi deficiency through palpation (Qie). In such cases, it is appropriate to tonify Qi. This formula consists of four herbs that are all sweet and warm. Sweetness obtains the flavor of the center/middle, and warmth obtains the nature of the center/middle, resembling a person who is neither biased nor extreme, hence named "Jun Zi". The original formula plus Mu Xiang, Huo Xiang, and Ge Gen is named Qi Wei Bai Zhu San, treating pediatric Spleen deficiency with muscular heat, diarrhea, and thirst. The aromatic properties of Mu Xiang and Huo Xiang assist the Four Gentlemen in entering the Spleen, making its efficacy more rapid; Ge Gen is sweet and cold, directly targeting the Yangming channel, resolving muscular heat and eliminating thirst.

[Commentary] The original formula plus Chen Pi is named Wu Wei Yi Gong San, treating Qi deficiency accompanied by Qi stagnation. Adding Ban Xia makes it Liu Jun Zi Tang, treating Qi deficiency accompanied by Phlegm-fluid retention. Adding Sha Ren and Huo Xiang makes it Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, treating Qi deficiency accompanied by vomiting. All these formulas contain the intention of guiding digestion within tonification.