Bao Yuan Tang — Preserve Primal Qi Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Bao Yuan Tang — the “Preserve Primal Qi Decoction” — is from Wei Zhixiu’s Qing-dynasty Bo Ai Xin Jian. It is a focused, small formula for profound Yuan Qi (Source Qi) deficiency, particularly when Lung and Spleen Qi have been depleted by chronic illness, blood loss, prolonged labour, or in paediatric failure to thrive. The combination of Huang Qi + Ren Shen tonifies Yuan Qi at its constitutional root, Rou Gui warms Kidney Yang to restore the Ming Men fire, and small Sheng Jiang harmonises.

I prescribe Bao Yuan Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Bao Yuan Tang is prescribed for profound Yuan Qi and Yang deficiency:

• Profound fatigue, weakness, lack of stamina
• Breathlessness on minimal exertion
• Pale or wan complexion
• Cold extremities
• Low voice, reluctance to speak
• Poor appetite, loose stools
• Tongue — pale, possibly with tooth-marks
• Pulse — deep, weak, possibly slow

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Rx. Ginseng, 6–15g) — chief; strongly tonifies Yuan Qi
2. Huang Qi (Rx. Astragali, 9–30g) — tonifies Spleen-Lung Qi; lifts Yang
3. Rou Gui (Cx. Cinnamomi, 1.5–3g) — warms Kidney Yang; restores Ming Men fire
4. Zhi Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 3–6g) — harmonises and tonifies
5. Sheng Jiang (Rz. Zingiberis Recens, 3g, optional) — harmonises the middle

Formula actions

1. Strongly tonifies Yuan Qi
2. Tonifies Spleen-Lung Qi
3. Warms Yang gently from the source

Conditions treated

1. Profound fatigue and weakness after major illness or surgery
2. Post-partum depletion with profound exhaustion
3. Chemotherapy-induced exhaustion with Qi-Yang collapse
4. Paediatric failure to thrive from Spleen-Qi deficiency
5. Recovery from prolonged illness with persistent profound depletion
6. Adrenal insufficiency-pattern fatigue with cold extremities

Cautions

Not appropriate for excess patterns, Heat patterns or Yin-deficient patterns — the strong Qi tonification and gentle warming would aggravate Heat.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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