Shén Qū (神曲) — Medicated leaven / Massa medicata fermentata

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Shén Qū (神曲) — Massa fermentata medicinalis — is known in English as Medicated leaven / Massa medicata fermentata. It belongs to the category of Herbs that relieve food stagnation in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Shén Qū as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Reduces food stagnation and harmonises the Stomach — particularly for grain and alcohol accumulation
2. Strengthens the Spleen and promotes digestion
3. Stops diarrhoea from Spleen weakness with food stagnation

Indications

1. Food stagnation — poor digestion, bloating and discomfort after eating
2. Alcohol-related digestive disorders
3. Combined with other herbs that are difficult to digest to prevent stagnation
4. Loose stools and diarrhoea from Spleen deficiency with food accumulation

4. Key formulas containing Shén Qū

Shén Qū appears in the following key formulas:

• Bao He Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Massa fermentata medicinalis (Shen Qu) is a fermented product composed of wheat bran, Xing Ren (apricot kernel), Chi Xiao Dou (adzuki bean), Qing Hao (Artemisia annua) and Da Suan (garlic), fermented together to create a complex digestive medicine. The fermentation process creates amylase, protease, lipase and other digestive enzymes alongside beneficial microorganisms. Modern analysis confirms significant digestive enzyme content that directly supports carbohydrate, protein and fat digestion. Prebiotic compounds from the fermentation process support gut microbiota diversity. Shen Qu is often combined with Shan Zha (for meat and fat) and Mai Ya (for starch and fruit) in the classical formula Bao He Wan for comprehensive food stagnation.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in Spleen and Stomach Yin deficiency — the warm nature may aggravate. Avoid in excess Heat without Damp-Cold stagnation.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Shén Qū as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Digestive disorders, Irritable bowel syndrome. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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