Six Gentlemen is a traditional rendition of Six Gentlemen Decoction (Liu Jun Zi Wan), a well known formula to tonify the Lungs and Spleen Qi, and to resolve Dampness and Phlegm. The Spleen governs the transformation and transportation of Nutritive Qi derived from food and fluids. This Nutritive Qi travels as refined Essence upward to the Lungs, combining with air to form Gathering Qi, and also to the Heart to form Blood. When the production of Qi and Blood is healthy, it supports good digestion and appetite, sustained energy and normal bowel movements. When this process is impaired, the Spleen fails to distribute Nutritive Qi to the body and turbid Yin accumulates without being eliminated. Dampness ensues, leading to digestive disharmonies, including occasional abdominal distention, occasional loss of appetite and occasional nausea and vomiting. This Dampness can also congeal into Phlegm and collect in the Lungs, causing stagnation in the chest. Six Gentlemen strengthens the Spleen, Stomach and Lungs and transforms Phlegm Dampness so that it cannot obstruct the Middle Burner. Codonopsis root, the chief herb in this formula, tonifies the Spleen, strengthens the Middle Burner, augments the Qi and tonifies Lungs. Combined with White atractylodes rhizome, it tonifies the Spleen, drains Dampness and improves the transformative and transportative functions of the Spleen. Combined with Poria, it addresses Spleen and Stomach deficiency, with Poria further leaching out Dampness. Ginger cured Pinellia rhizome dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm and descends rebellious Qi. Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit regulates the Qi to prevent stagnation, dries Damp and transforms Phlegm. In combination with Ginger cured Pinellia rhizome, it is particularly effective at relieving occasional stifling sensations in the chest due to Phlegm accumulation. Honey fried Chinese licorice root and rhizome tonifies Spleen Qi, moistens the Lungs, clears Heat and moderates and harmonizes the characteristics of the other herbs. Six Gentlemen can be combined with any formula when stronger support of Spleen Qi and Dampness draining functions are desired. It is especially effective at protecting the Spleen from the effect of cloying herbs, often found in Yin tonic formulas. With concurrent Blood deficiency, combine with Four Substances, Silken Tresses or Zizyphus Sleep Formula. With concurrent Kidney deficiency, combine with Rehmannia Six, Rehmannia Eight or Two Immortals. With concurrent Blood stagnation, combine with Dispel Stasis in the Mansion of Blood, Invigorate the Collaterals or Augmented Four Substances. With constrained blazing Fire and Damp Heat, combine with CoptiClear. Six Gentlemen is a faithful rendition of the base formula. For a modern approach to this pattern and when there is increased stagnation and Spleen deficiency present, consider Prosperous Farmer from the Kan Herbals line. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTRevised Fine Formulas for Women (Jiao Zhu Fu Ren Liang Fang).
