Four Gentlemen Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang)

Why people make this soup

If you find yourself feeling bloated after meals, low on energy, or just not hungry despite not eating much, you are not alone — this is particularly common among office workers who eat quickly at lunch and then sit at a desk for the rest of the day. Traditional Chinese food therapy has long held that a sedentary lifestyle and hurried meals can weaken the digestive system over time. The Four Gentlemen Decoction (Si Jun Zi Tang) is one of the most respected classical formulas for this pattern, combining four herbs that together are said to reinforce the digestive system and support healthy energy levels.

Method

1. Rinse all herbs and soak in fresh water for about 15 minutes to remove any dust or impurities.
2. Pit the red dates.
3. Place all ingredients into a pot with 1.8–2.1 L of cold water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 900 ml.
5. Strain and serve warm. Drink over the day in portions.

Nourilo’s Tips

If there are more family members to serve, simply add any type of lean meat, pork bones, or a handful of nuts to the pot — it makes the soup more satisfying and nutritious for the whole household. Children and the elderly can drink it too. However, if you are currently fighting off a cold or flu, hold off until you are well before taking this formula.