Food-Stagnation–Resolving • Digestive-Harmonising • Middle Burner Regulating Formula
Symptoms
Abdominal fullness and distension
Epigastric discomfort
Acid regurgitation or sour belching
Foul-smelling stools
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Flatulence
Diarrhea after overeating
Tongue: thick, greasy coating
Pulse: slippery
Ingredients
Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) / Ji Nei Jin (
Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli Preparata)
Raw Herbs: 30g * Granulates: 46g
Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata)
Raw Herbs: 10g * Granulates: 23g
Lai Fu Zi (Raphani Semen) / Mai Ya (
Fructus Hordei Germinatus)
Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates: 23g
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum)
Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates: 23g
Chen Pi (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium)
Raw Herbs: 10g * Granulates: 15g
Fu Ling (Poria)
Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates: 23g
Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus)
Raw Herbs: 10g * Granulates: 15g
Posology
Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.
Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.
Description
Bao He Wan, often translated as “Preserve Harmony Pill,” is a classical formula designed to resolve food stagnation and restore proper digestive function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when food accumulates in the Stomach and Intestines, the normal movement of Qi becomes obstructed. This leads to fullness, distension, sour regurgitation, and digestive discomfort.
Shan Zha is the chief herb, especially effective at breaking down food accumulation—particularly from heavy, greasy, or protein-rich meals. It promotes digestion while gently moving Blood and preventing stagnation.
Shen Qu assists by enhancing digestive transformation, helping the body process accumulated food and supporting the Spleen’s function.
Lai Fu Zi directs Qi downward and reduces distension. It helps relieve bloating, belching, and fullness by restoring proper Qi movement in the middle burner.
Ban Xia transforms Phlegm and harmonizes the Stomach, addressing nausea or vomiting that may arise from food stagnation.
Chen Pi regulates Qi, dries Dampness, and improves digestive flow, preventing further accumulation.
Fu Ling supports the Spleen and promotes fluid metabolism, ensuring that Dampness does not worsen the stagnation.
Lian Qiao clears mild Heat that can develop from prolonged food retention, preventing the accumulation from transforming into internal Heat.
Together, these herbs create a balanced formula that resolves accumulation without damaging Qi. Bao He Wan does not tonify or strongly purge; instead, it restores digestive harmony by eliminating stagnation and regulating Qi flow. It is especially appropriate for acute digestive overload rather than chronic deficiency patterns.
Contraindications
- Not indicated for chronic Spleen Qi deficiency without food stagnation.
- Use with caution in cases of weak digestion or prolonged diarrhea.
- Not appropriate when no signs of accumulation (fullness, thick coating, slippery pulse) are present.
- For short-term use during episodes of digestive excess.
