Bǎo Hé Wán
Bǎo Hé Wán (保和丸, “Preserve Harmony Pill”) comes from Dan Xi Xin Fa - Zhu Danxi (1347 CE). Reduces food accumulation, harmonizes the Stomach.
Main action
Reduces food accumulation, harmonizes the Stomach
Created by Zhu Danxi, teacher of the 'Yin deficiency' school. Paradoxically, he created this formula for dietary excess, recognizing that dietary extremes damage health.
Indications
- Post-meal abdominal distension
- Smelly burps
- acid regurgitation
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Diarrhea or constipation due to accumulation
- Tongue
- Thick and greasy coating
- Pulse
- Slippery or full
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shān Zhā 山楂 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 15g | Digests accumulation of meat and fat |
| Shén Qū 神曲 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Digests grains, activates Spleen and Stomach |
| Lái Fú Zǐ 莱菔子 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Digests buildup, lowers Qi, reduces distension |
| Bàn Xià 半夏 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Harmonizes stomach, stops vomiting, dries humidity |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture |
| Chén Pí 陈皮 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 6g | Moves Qi, dries humidity, harmonizes Stomach |
| Lián Qiào 连翘 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Clears heat buildup |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Pill: 6-9g, 2-3 times/day after meals. Decoction: boil 25 min
Classical modifications
Add: Da Huang (大黄) 6g
Current uses being studied
- Acute indigestion
- Functional dyspepsia
- Gastritis due to excess food
- Obesity due to accumulation
Precautions
- Do not use in spleen deficiency without accumulation
- Temporary: not for chronic use without modification
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 保和丸
- English name
- Preserve Harmony Pill
- Source
- Dan Xi Xin Fa - Zhu Danxi (1347 CE)
- Dynasty
- Yuan
- Category
- Digestion and Dampness
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
