Shen Qu – Medicated Leaven – Massa Medicata Fermentata

Shen Qu, also known as medicated leaven, is a traditional fermentation product made from wheat flour mixed with herbs and fermented. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to relieve food stagnation, promote digestion, and harmonize the Stomach. Shen Qu is particularly effective for digestive complaints such as bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, and poor appetite, especially after consuming heavy or greasy foods.
Functions & Benefits
Relieves Food Stagnation and Promotes DigestionUsed for indigestion, abdominal fullness, sour belching, and poor appetite, especially when caused by overeating or consuming starchy and greasy foods.
Harmonizes the Stomach and Alleviates DiarrheaTreats loose stools or diarrhea due to food stagnation or weak digestion.
Supports Absorption of NutrientsImproves nutrient assimilation and helps regulate digestive function in formulas with tonifying herbs.
Enhances the Effect of Herbal FormulasOften used in combination to aid the digestive uptake of other herbs, especially in patients with weak digestion.
IndicationsIndividuals with bloating, belching, nausea, or poor digestion after mealsPeople experiencing loose stools or diarrhea due to food retentionPatients who feel full or sluggish after eating rich foodsThose with weak digestive capacity needing support in tonic formulas
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Thick or greasy coating (indicating food stagnation or dampness)Pulse: Slippery or moderate (suggesting excess in the middle Jiao or mild stagnation)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Shen Qu

Food Retention in the Middle Burner – Fullness, nausea, indigestion

Spleen Qi Deficiency with Damp Accumulation – Poor appetite, bloating, loose stools

Stomach Disharmony – Belching, sour regurgitation, sluggish digestion

Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid in cases of true heat conditions or Yin deficiency with drynessUse with caution in individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as it contains fermented wheatNot suitable for prolonged use without underlying food stagnation or digestive weakness
ConclusionShen Qu is a mild, effective digestive aid used in TCM to treat food stagnation, poor digestion, and diarrhea, particularly after overindulgence in heavy foods. Its role in supporting the digestive system and improving nutrient absorption makes it a valuable addition to many formulas, especially for patients with weak Spleen and Stomach function.