MEDICATED LEAVEN
Shen Qu

 

This is a fermented mixture of food stagnation relieving and digestive strengthening herbs, flour and bran, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Common herbs include Qing Hao (Artemesia annua), Xing Ren (Prunus armeniaca) and Cang Er Zi (Xanthium sibiricum).

 
 

Attributes and Domain
sweet, acrid, warm; Spleen, Stomach.

Major therapeutic action
Resolves food stagnation and harmonises the Stomach.

 Dosage
The typical proportion when added to a constitutional formula is 6:1 formula to addition (15 grams in 75- 90 grams of formula). If a stronger effect is desired more can be added. When used alone the dose is three grams twice daily.

Indications
o  A very useful substance to add to formulas that contain minerals or other hard to digest substances. Improves digestion and assimilation of food.
o  Food stagnation patterns, indigestion, belching, flatulence.

Cautions and contraindications
None noted.
None noted.