Medicated Leaven, Shen Qu 神曲
Shen Qu (TCM)Jian Qu (Medicated Leaven produced in Fujian) (TCM)
Pharmaceutical name:
Massa Medicata Fermentata
Parts used:
Fermented mixture of flour and medicinal Herbs.
Temperature & Taste:
Slightly Warm, dry. Sweet, Pungent, Aromatic
Classification:
O. Promotes Digestion
Uses:
1. Promotes Digestion, Clears Food Stagnation:
-Indigestion, Food Stagnation (abdominal distention, fullness, poor appetite etc.)
-also added to pills containing mineral ingredients to assist their digestion
–Jian Qu is also used for indigestion in Summer-heat with Damp, or external Wind-Cold conditions.
Dose:
Decoction: 5–15 grams
Pills or Powders: 1–3 grams
Method of Manufacture:
1. Shen Qu:
Flour (or bran) is mixed with medicinal herbs, typically 5 in number and usually composed of Almond paste, Red bean, Artemisia annua Qing Hao, Xanthium Cang Er Zi and Polygonum hydropiper juice. A paste is made then formed into small bricks. These are piled, covered with moist cloth or Mulberry leaves, and kept warm to ferment. When yellow mycelium appears they are removed, cut, and dried in the sun.
2. Jian Qu:
This is produced the same, but is made in Fujian province and is composed of up to 40 herbs. Typically it includes Schizonepeta Jing Jie, Saposhnikovia Fang Feng, Perilla leaf Zi Su Ye, Citrus peel (Chen Pi and/or Qing Pi and/or Zhi Shi), Costus (Mu Xiang), Magnolia bark Hou Po etc. It is more aromatic so better for Damp.
Comment:
It contains enzymes, promotes secretion of digestive juices and enhances digestion.
Preparation:
Stir-fried Leaven (Chao Shen Qu)
It is often stir-fried until brown to assist Digestion.
Main Combinations:
1. Food Stagnation:
i. Medicated Leaven with Malted Barley (Mai Ya), Hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha), Radish seed (Lai Fu Zi)
ii. with Spleen deficiency, Medicated Leaven with Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Citrus Chen Pi.
2. Chronic Indigestion with abdominal distention and pain, Medicated Leaven with Costus Mu Xiang, Magnolia Hou Po,
3. Diarrhea from Food Stagnation, or Summer Diarrhea, Medicated Leaven with Atractylodes Cang Zhu
Major Formulas:
Bao He Wan
Ci Zhu Wan
Jian Pi Wan
Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan
Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan
Cautions:
1. Not used for digestive heat with Yin deficiency.
2. Caution during pregnancy according to some sources.