Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Massa Medicata Fermentata |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 神麴 · Shen Qu |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Others |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Digestant |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | A fermented preparation of wheat flour with Artemisia, Xanthium, Polygonum and other adjuncts (Massa Medicata Fermentata). |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Acrid; Warm |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Spleen, Stomach |
|---|
What Is Shen Qu?
Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Produced in many provinces; traditionally well known from Fujian, Jiangsu and Beijing workshops.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Acrid; Warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach
Shen Qu: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Massa Medicata Fermentata
Botanical Origin
A fermented preparation of wheat flour with Artemisia, Xanthium, Polygonum and other adjuncts (Massa Medicata Fermentata).
Production Regions
Produced in many provinces; traditionally well known from Fujian, Jiangsu and Beijing workshops.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thoroughly fermented, aromatic, and free of moldy or putrid smell.
Macroscopic Features
Squared or irregular cakes, 2~4cm thick; externally yellowish-brown to dark brown, rough, with white or grey mycelial traces; aromatic, sour-fermented odor.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Acrid; WarmSpleenStomach
Traditional Functions
Reduces food accumulation, harmonizes the stomach, and aids digestion. Apply to epigastric fullness, poor appetite, and diarrhea from food stagnation.
Classical Formulas Containing Shen Qu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shen Qu? Are Liu Shen Qu, Chao Shen Qu, Jiao Shen Qu and Jian Shen Qu the same?
Shen Qu (神曲), also called Liu Shen Qu or Liu Qu, is a fermented cake of fresh Polygonum, Artemisia, Xanthium, bitter apricot kernel and adzuki bean mixed with wheat flour or bran—not a single plant. The usual Latin name is Massa Medicata Fermentata. Chao Shen Qu is stir-fried: less dispersing, better to fortify the Spleen and harmonize the Stomach. Jiao Shen Qu is scorch-fried: stronger to disperse food and stop diarrhea. Jian Shen Qu (Fujian qu) uses a different recipe and also releases the exterior and transforms damp—not an equal swap. It contains wheat bran; do not use in wheat allergy. Write Shen Qu, Chao Shen Qu or Jiao Shen Qu.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Shen Qu?
Traditional sources record Shen Qu as sweet, acrid and warm, entering the Spleen and Stomach channels, acting to disperse food and harmonize the Stomach, fortify the Spleen and regulate the middle. It is used for food stagnation, epigastric-abdominal fullness, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrheal dysentery, and pediatric food accumulation. Sweet-acrid-warm, it disperses food while fortifying the Stomach—suited to middle-jiao food accumulation, not to Spleen-Yin vacuity, Stomach fire or vacuity without accumulation.
How do you choose raw, stir-fried and scorch-fried Shen Qu?
Heavier food accumulation with an exterior pattern may use the raw cake. Spleen-vacuity poor appetite and epigastric fullness more often use Chao Shen Qu; Food-damage diarrhea and unresolved accumulation more often use Jiao Shen Qu. Break it into the decoction. Aged stock is traditionally preferred. Do not mix it with Jian Qu.
Learn More About Shen Qu
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Shen Qu.
Read the Shen Qu Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
