What are the differences between Liu Junzi Pills and Xiangsha Liu Jun Pills?

May 21, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

The differences between Liu Jun Zi Wan and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan lie in their herbal compositions, effects, and therapeutic indications. Specifically: Liu Jun Zi Wan consists of six herbs—Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Fa Ban Xia (Processed Pinellia), and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger). Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan, on the other hand, is based on Liu Jun Zi Wan but additionally includes Zhi Ke (Immature Bitter Orange), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Su Zi (Perilla Seed), and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark).

The differences between Liu Junzi Pills and Xiangsha Liu Junzi Pills lie in their herbal compositions, effects, and indications. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Different Herbal Compositions

Liu Junzi Pills consist of six herbs: ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, licorice, processed pinellia, and dried ginger. Xiangsha Liu Junzi Pills are based on the formula of Liu Junzi Pills but include additional herbs such as citrus aurantium (Fructus Aurantii), aged tangerine peel (chenpi), perilla seed (su zi), and magnolia bark (hou po).

2. Different Effects

Liu Junzi Pills primarily strengthen the spleen and stomach and promote digestion. In contrast, Xiangsha Liu Junzi Pills focus on strengthening the spleen to resolve dampness, regulating qi flow, and resolving phlegm.

3. Different Indications

Liu Junzi Pills are suitable for symptoms caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Xiangsha Liu Junzi Pills are indicated for conditions involving spleen deficiency with dampness retention, indigestion, food stagnation, and chest congestion. Therefore, Xiangsha Liu Junzi Pills are more appropriate for individuals presenting symptoms of damp-heat.

Besides the common differences mentioned above, there may also be variations in dosage. Patients should consult a physician before taking these medications. The doctor can recommend the most suitable medicine according to the individual's specific condition, thus avoiding bodily discomfort due to improper medication use.

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How to Regulate a Spleen Deficiency Manifesting as Teeth Marks on the Tongue边缘

When a patient exhibits tooth marks along the edges of the tongue coating, Liu Jun Zi Wan (Six Gentlemen Pills) may be administered for regulation. Tooth marks on the lateral margins of the tongue refer to indentations left by the teeth along the tongue’s edges, typically resulting from tongue enlargement (glossomegaly). When the tongue appears swollen and displays tooth marks along its lateral margins, this is primarily attributed to spleen qi deficiency and yang deficiency. Patients with weakened spleen qi may present with a thin, pale-white tongue coating, a tender and swollen tongue body, and tooth marks along the tongue’s lateral margins.

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What medicine is good for phlegm-damp cough?

Liu Jun Zi Wan, commonly used for phlegm-damp cough, contains Chinese herbal ingredients such as Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Chen Pi (Citri Pericarpium), Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus), and Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix), and has the effects of strengthening the spleen, benefiting qi, and resolving phlegm. Ban Xia止咳 Syrup primarily consists of Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), and Ku Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), and can dispel wind and cold while relieving cough and resolving phlegm. Er Chen Wan is composed of Chinese herbs including Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Citri Pericarpium), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and functions to regulate qi, harmonize the stomach, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm.