Shen Qu

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Pinyin Name: Shen Qu

English Name: Medicata Fermentita Fujianensis Massa

Other Names: Medicated Leaven, Liu Shen Qu

Tastes: Sweet, Pungent

Origin: Fujian province in China

Benefits of Shen Qu:

Shen Qu is originally from Fujian province in China. It is now cultivated throughout China. Shen Qu covers meridians of spleen and stomach. Main functions are strengthening the spleen and stomach, increasing appetite, helping digestion. Common uses and indications include food stagnation, indigestion, abdominal distention, loss of appetite, vomiting, dysentery. Recommended dosage is from 10 to 15 grams.

Shen Qu is widely used in Chinese herbal formulas. 1) Xiao Shi Wan is used to improve symptom management for indigestion, tight chest congestion, occasional bloating abdomen and flanks, chronic loss of appetite, bitter taste, emaciation due to deficiency of both spleen and stomach. Its ingredient herbs include Shen Qu, Wu Mei, Gan Jiang, Xiao Mai Nie. 2) Shen Qu San is used to improve symptom management for postpartum cold dysentery accompanied with sharp pain below the umbilicus. Its ingredient herbs include Shen Qu, Shu Di Huang and Bai Zhu. 3) Duan Xia Wan is used to improve symptom management for sudden diarrhea. Its ingredient herbs include Shen Qu and Wu Zhu Yu.

Common herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine

Quick knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine perspectives