Liu Jun Zi Tang

Liu Jun Zi Tang combines Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) with key herbs from Er Chen Tang to address digestive weakness complicated by Damp and Phlegm accumulation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, weak Spleen and Stomach function may impair digestion, fluid regulation and the normal downward movement of Stomach Qi. Over time, fluids may accumulate and form Damp or Phlegm, contributing to nausea, bloating, mucus production, poor appetite and digestive stagnation.

This formula is selected when weakness and Damp coexist — particularly when Phlegm obstructs normal digestive movement and gastric emptying.

Unlike stronger Damp-clearing formulas used for inflammatory or Heat patterns, Liu Jun Zi Tang is more appropriate where weakness, poor appetite and deficient digestion predominate.

Clinically, this formula is commonly used in:

• digestive weakness with bloating or nausea
  
• motion sickness
  
• chemotherapy-associated gastrointestinal weakness
  
• hypoadrenocorticism with fatigue and poor digestive tone
  
• gastric ulceration or adenocarcinoma in constitutionally weak animals
  
• stress-associated digestive compromise
  
• cognitive dysfunction layered over general weakness
  
• post-acute disease where Phlegm and Damp persist
  
• weak appetite with mucus accumulation
  

It is frequently used following acute illness once the inflammatory phase has resolved but weakness, poor appetite and residual Phlegm remain.

In Western physiological terms, this formula supports digestive motility, gastric regulation and mucosal resilience in weakened animals.

Animals suited to this formula often show:

• pale, wet tongue
  
• deep, weak pulse
  
• soft stools or intermittent mucus
  
• poor appetite or early satiety
  
• nausea or poor digestive descent
  

Think: digestive weakness with Damp and Phlegm obstructing normal function.

This formula is generally less appropriate where:

• strong inflammatory Heat predominates
  
• Damp-Heat or greasy inflammation are dominant features
  
• the patient is intensely red, hot or reactive
  
• excess patterns exist without underlying weakness.

Ginseng,
Atractylodes rhizome,
Poria,
Chinese licorice root and rhizome,
Pinellia rhizome,
Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit.

Dogs up to 5 kg Give ¼ of a teaspoon twice daily

5-10 kg Give ½ a teaspoon twice daily

10-15 kg Give ¾ of a teaspoon twice daily

15-20 kg Give 1 teaspoon twice daily

20-30 kg Give 1 ½ teaspoons twice daily

30-40 kg Give 2 teaspoons twice daily

It is advised to start on a lower dose and work up to the full dose over a week or so to check it is a good fit for your dog. The above dosing guidelines can be adjusted. For animals that have had benefit from the herbs, a lower dose may be required to maintain or wean off the formula. Conversely, animals may be given more frequent or higher doses when the effect is required more quickly and the formula choice is certain.

Ways to get herbs into pets.
Most dogs with a good appetite will simply eat herbal mixtures in their food. If animals have a weak appetite or are otherwise picky with their choices there area few other ways to entice them.
Mix herbs with a small amount of a high value treat – eg mince, sardines, cheese.
Mix herbs into a bone broth and pour over food.
If owners are still having trouble, gelatin food capsules can be bought inexpensively and herbs put into them. Owners then need to give the capsule either directly into the mouth or again, mixed in food.