Bao He Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
保和丸 · Bǎo Hé Wán
A classic digestive formula for food stagnation with epigastric distension, acid regurgitation, belching and poor appetite. It gently promotes digestion while transforming dampness and mildly clearing residual heat.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Digestive Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Food Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Promote digestion, resolve food stagnation
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Promote digestion, resolve food accumulation, and harmonize the Stomach
- Classical Source
- Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classic digestive formula for food stagnation with epigastric distension, acid regurgitation, belching and poor appetite. It gently promotes digestion while transforming dampness and mildly clearing residual heat.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for uncomplicated food stagnation with epigastric fullness, belching of sour fluid and thick greasy tongue coating — a gentle, focused digestive rather than the dampness-centred Ping Wei San or the multi-stagnation approach of Yue Ju Wan.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Bao He Wan | Ping Wei San | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Yue Ju Wan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Promote digestion, resolve food stagnation | Dry Damp, strengthen Spleen, move Qi | Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi | Regulate Qi, resolve stagnation of the Six Constraints |
| Formula Category | Digestive Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Regulating Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Food Stagnation | Dampness | Spleen Qi Deficiency | Qi Stagnation |
| Main Conditions | Indigestion ·Bloating ·Poor Appetite ·Stomach Discomfort | Bloating ·Poor Appetite ·Stomach Discomfort ·Diarrhea | Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort | Chest Tightness ·Bloating ·Emotional Depression ·Poor Appetite |
| Main Herbs | Hawthorn Fruit ·Medicated Leaven ·Radish Seed ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Tangerine Peel | Atractylodes Rhizome ·Magnolia Bark ·Tangerine Peel ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome | Cyperus Rhizome ·Atractylodes Rhizome ·Chuanxiong Rhizome ·Medicated Leaven ·Gardenia Fruit |
| Classical Source | Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675) | Dan Xi Xin Fa (Teachings of Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) |
Clinical Perspective
Bao He Wan is the representative mild formula for food stagnation. Ping Wei San focuses more on dampness and turbidity in the Middle Jiao. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang addresses Spleen Qi deficiency with Qi stagnation. Yue Ju Wan addresses the broader Six Stagnations.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Bao He Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Food Stagnation, Indigestion & Abdominal Fullness
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.