If You Eat Too Much for Dinner, Try Shenqu
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, “where there is stomach qi, there is life; where there is no stomach qi, there is death.” Stomach qi refers to the overall function of the spleen and stomach, the source of qi and blood production. All nutrients required for human growth, development, and life maintenance depend on the spleen and stomach. Weak stomach qi severely affects metabolism and growth. Therefore, longevity and health require nurturing the stomach. Although many ways exist to nurture the stomach, regularly consuming Shenqu—a digestive aid—is an excellent method.
Shenqu, also known as Liuqu, is made by fermenting ingredients like red amaranth, wormwood, apricot kernels, mixed with flour or bran. It has a warm nature and sweet-spicy taste, helping open the appetite, strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and aid digestion. It is suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension, pain, and loss of appetite. Modern research shows Shenqu contains amylase, yeast, and abundant B-complex vitamins, offering strong digestive assistance.
If experiencing indigestion, combine with dangshen (Codonopsis), baizhu (Atractylodes), and zhi gancao (honey-fried licorice). If frequently bloated, loose stools, accompanied by fatigue and shortness of breath, use Shenqu together with baizhu, sharen (Amomi Fructus), chenpi (tangerine peel), and yiyiren (coix seed). If loss of appetite is accompanied by aversion to food, lethargy, and reduced speech, combine Shenqu with shanzha (hawthorn) and pig stomach.
Since frying Shenqu enhances its digestive power, it is commonly used in fried form in digestive remedies. Raw Shenqu, besides strengthening the spleen and opening the appetite, also has dispersing properties, so it is preferable for those with indigestion and concurrent cold or fever. Additionally, Shenqu aids in digesting and absorbing mineral-based medicines, so it can be used alongside magnetic stone, cinnabar, and similar substances to both assist digestion and protect the gastrointestinal tract. Dosage is generally 3–9 grams.
Practical experience shows that certain groups benefit especially well from Shenqu: those who eat dinner late, especially if the meal is overly rich, can consume about 6 grams of Shenqu afterward to aid digestion; those in suboptimal health with occasional bloating and poor appetite; and children with indigestion can regularly consume Shenqu.