Six Spirits Medicated Leaven

Chinese: 六神曲
Pinyin: Liu Shen Qu
Latin: Massa Medicata Fermentata

Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Liu Shen Qu (六神曲), this sweet and acrid, warm herb enters the Spleen and Stomach. Traditionally, it moves Stomach Qi and promotes digestion of food stagnation; relieves abdominal distension, belching, and diarrhea from indigestion, most often applied for indigestion, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Modern research has identified Fermentation-derived among its active constituents.

Part used: Fermented mass

Also Known As

Six Miraculous Herb Leaven Massa Fermentata

Latin: Massa Medicata Fermentata | Pinyin: Liu Shen Qu | Chinese: 六神曲

TCM Properties

Taste: sweet, acrid
Temperature: warm
Channels: Spleen, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

Moves Stomach Qi and promotes digestion of food stagnation; relieves abdominal distension, belching, and diarrhea from indigestion
Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach and releases mild exterior Wind-Cold when food stagnation coincides with early-stage common cold

Secondary Actions

Named for its traditional six-ingredient recipe (wheat flour and bran fermented with red bean, bitter apricot kernel, Qing Hao, Cang Er Zi, and La Liao), which is the classical, complete form of Shen Qu

Classical References

First documented in Tang-dynasty materia medica as a fermented compound medicinal, with the six-ingredient recipe standardized in later pharmacy tradition

Modern Research

Active Compounds

Fermentation-derived flavonoids, fatty acids, and amino acids
Microbial digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase)

Studied Effects

Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity correlate with the microbial strains dominant during fermentation
Fermentation biodiversity studies show a dynamic succession of bacterial and fungal species during production that shapes the final bioactive profile

PubMed References

Processing Mechanism of Massa Medicata Fermentata Based on the Correlation Analysis of Strains, Chemical Compositions and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Safety & Interactions

Cautions

Stomach Yin deficiency with Heat signs
Pregnancy: use with routine dietary caution common to digestive-moving herbs

Conditions

Indigestion Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Abdominal Distension Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Diarrhea Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Common Cold Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Six Spirits Medicated Leaven used for?

Six Spirits Medicated Leaven is traditionally used to Moves Stomach Qi and promotes digestion of food stagnation; relieves abdominal distension, belching, and diarrhea from indigestion, Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach and releases mild exterior Wind-Cold when food stagnation coincides with early-stage common cold. Research has investigated its effects on: Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity correlate with the microbial strains dominant during fermentation; Fermentation biodiversity studies show a dynamic succession of bacterial and fungal species during production that shapes the final bioactive profile.

What are other names for Six Spirits Medicated Leaven?

Six Spirits Medicated Leaven is also known as Six Miraculous Herb Leaven, Massa Fermentata. In TCM: 六神曲 (Liu Shen Qu); Massa Medicata Fermentata.

Is Six Spirits Medicated Leaven safe during pregnancy?

Six Spirits Medicated Leaven is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.