Formula Formulas that tonify Qi

Bao Yuan Tang

保元汤

Also known as:

Preserve the Primal Decoction , Preserving the Source Decoction

Formula Composition

Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
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King
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Tonifies the Qi and warms the Yang

Patterns Treated

Heart Qi Deficiency, Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency

Historical Origin

Collected Treatises of[Zhang] ]ing-Yue (1624)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bao Yuan Tang

Main Actions

Tonifies the Qi and warms the Yang

Key TCM Concepts

Bao Yuan Tang is a 4-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1624, it belongs to the category of formulas that tonify Qi. Its main action is that it tonifies the Qi and warms the Yang.

 

On this page, after a detailed description of each of the four ingredients in Bao Yuan Tang, we review the patterns and conditions that Bao Yuan Tang helps treat.

 

Huang Qi is a king ingredient in Bao Yuan Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Heart Qi Deficiency
  • Lung and Heart Qi Deficiency

Ingredients in Bao Yuan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Bao Yuan Tang and their roles

Kings
Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bao Yuan Tang
In general Huang Qi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Wei Qi and stops perspiration. Tonifies the Spleen Qi and the Yang Qi of the Earth Element. Tonifies the Qi and Blood. Expels pus and assists in the healing of wounds. Helps to regulate water metabolism in the body and reduce edema."
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Bao Yuan Tang
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Bao Yuan Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Bao Yuan Tang
In general Rou Gui's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and Kidneys and tonifies the Yang. Expels Cold, Warms the meridians, promotes circulation of Qi and Blood and relieves pain. Used with tonics to assist in the generation of Qi and Blood."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bao Yuan Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bao Yuan Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.