Bao Yuan Tang
Star保元汤 (Preserve the Basal Decoction)
Source: Bo Ai Xin Jian — Wei Zhi (1525)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Bao Yuan Tang (Preserve the Basal Decoction), from the Bo Ai Xin Jian (Manual of Universal Lover from the Heart) by Wei Zhi — a variation of Si Jun Zi Tang.
Actions: Tonifies qi; Warms yang.
Presentation: Spleen and Stomach qi deficiencies with cold and insufficient yang; also chicken pox in children with yang and yuan qi deficiency (lethargy, weakness, intolerance to cold).
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 525.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Huang Qi
dose printed as 6-9g; as printed: Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 6-9g
|
g | — | tonifies zhong (central) and yuan qi | |
|
Ren Shen
dose printed as 6-9g; as printed: Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) 6-9g
|
g | — | tonifies zhong and yuan qi | |
|
Rou Gui
dose printed as 1.5-2.1g; as printed: Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi) 1.5-2.1g
|
g | — | warms yang, dispels cold, enhances qi tonification | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 3g
|
3g | 100% | tonifies zhong and yuan qi |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net neutral (0.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: neutral 100%.
Taste
- sweet 100%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 100%
- Heart 100%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
3 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Huang Qi, Ren Shen, Rou Gui.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Cook with 1 slice Sheng Jiang in water; take warm.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Qian Jin Nei Tuo San = this formula + Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang + Jie Geng Tang + Bai Zhi, Bo He, Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng and Hou Po
- Huang Qi Bie Jia San = this formula + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Da Ban Xia Tang + Bie Jia, Chai Hu, Di Gu Pi, Fu Ling, Jie Geng, Qin Jiao, Sang Bai Pi, Sheng Di Huang, Tian Men Dong and Zi Wan
- San Bi Tang = this formula + Fang Feng Xiong Gui Tang + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Du Huo, Du Zhong, Fu Ling, Niu Xi, Qin Jiao, Xi Xin and Xu Duan
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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