Introduction of Shen Qu:Medicated Leaven or Massa Fermentata Medicinalis.
✵The article gives records of the herb Medicated Leaven, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source two plant species, ①.Artemisia annua L., ②.Polygonum hydropiper., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of these two plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of these two plant species, the features of the herb Medicated Leaven, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Massa Fermentata Medicinalis(Medicated Leaven).
Pin Yin Name: Shén Qū.
English Name: Medicated Leaven.
Latin Name: Massa Fermentata Medicinalis.
Property and flavor: warm nature, tastes pungent and sweet, nontoxic.
Brief introduction: The herb Massa Fermentata Medicinalis is the dried mass of a fermented mixture of wheat flour, fresh aerial parts of Artemisia annua, Apricot kernel, and Polygonum hydropiper, used to improve digestion for the treatment of dyspepsia and abdominal distension due to food stagnation. The herb is commonly known as Massa Fermentata Medicinalis, Medicated Leaven, Massa Medicata Fermentata, Shén Qū.
Trait identification: This herb Medicated Leaven is a square or rectangular block, about 3 cm wide, about 1 cm thick, the appearance of khawn, rough; Hard and brittle, easy to break, cross-section is uneven, white, can be seen not crushed brown residue and fermentation after the cavity. Stale and bitter. The herb which is dry, old, no moth, fewer impurities is better.
Its chemical composition is yeast preparation, including yeast, amylase, vitamin B complex, ergosterol, protein and fat, volatile oil, etc.
Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Massa Fermentata Medicinalis (Medicated Leaven) as the dried mass of a fermented mixture of wheat flour, fresh aerial parts of Artemisia annua, Apricot kernel, and Polygonum hydropiper. The herb Apricot kernel is introduced in the entry "Apricot kernel", the herb Artemisia annua and Polygonum hydropiper are introduced:
(1).Artemisia annua L.
Botanical description: The plant, Artemisia annua L is commonly known as Huáng Huā Hāo or Qīnɡ Hāo, the aerial part of the plant species Artemisia annua L, a plant of the Artemisia Linn. Genus, the Campanulales order's Asteraceae family (Compositae, aster, daisy family). An annual herb, the plant grows up to 40~150 cm high; The whole plant has a strong volatile aroma. Roots are solitary, vertical, and narrowly fusiform; Stems are solitary, upright, and have vertical striations, many-branched, smooth, and glabrous. Basal leaves lying flat on the ground, wither in flowering; cauline leaves are alternate, green when young, turn tawny (yellow-brown) when aged, glabrous, short stipitate, gradually turn sessile upward; leaf blades are usually tripinnatisect, lobes are short and thin, has tiny powdery pubescence, the upper surface is dark green (deep green), the under surface is pea green (pale green), has thin and small hairs or powdery glandular spots; both sides of leaf rachis have narrow wings; cauline leaves on the upper part of stem gradually turn small and stripe-shaped.
Capitulum (flower head) is thin and small, globular (spherical shape), about 2 mm in diameter, and has a fine and soft short stalk, many capitula compose coniform inflorescence (panicle); the general involucre is small, globular (spherical shape), flowers are all tubular flowers (tubiform florets), yellow, peripheral flowers are female flowers, central flowers are hermaphroditic flower.
Achenes are elliptic, oval, and slightly oblate. Its flowering period is from August to October, and the fruiting period is from October to November.
Ecological environment: Artemisia annua grows in wild fields, hillsides or mountain slopes, roadsides, river banks, etc. It grows in areas at altitudes below 1,500 meters above sea level in the eastern province, in areas at altitudes of 2,000~3,000 meters in the northwest and southwest areas, and in areas at altitudes of 3,650 meters level in Xizang. It also grows in grassland, forest grassland, dry valley, semidesert, and gravel slopes, and also in salinized soil in other provinces and regions, which can be the dominant species or the main companion species of plant communities.
The plant is widely distributed in temperate, cold temperate, and subtropical regions of Europe and Asia, with the largest number in northern, central, and eastern Asia, and central, eastern, and Southern Europe. It also spread from northern Asia to North America and spread to the USA (the United States of America) and Canada.
Growth characteristics: The plant, Artemisia annua L., prefers a warm and moist climate, is not resistant to shade, and avoids waterlogging. Seed germination temperature is 8-25 °C (Celsius, or 46.4~77 degrees Fahrenheit). It is appropriate to choose a field with sufficient sunshine, loose and fertile, humus-rich sandy loam with good drainage for cultivation.
Characters of herbs: The stem is cylindrical, the upper part is many-branched, 30~80 cm long, 0.2~0.6 cm in diameter, the surface is yellowish-green or yellowish-brown, has longitudinal ridge lines; the texture of the herb is slightly hard, easily broken, has medulla (pith) in the middle part of the fracture surface. Leaves are alternate, dark green or brown-green, curled, and easily broken. After flattening, the intact leaves are tripinnatipartite, and the lobes and lobules are rectangular-circular or oblong oval, both surfaces are covered with short hairs. The fragrance is special, and the taste is slightly bitter. The herb of a better grade is green, foliose (leafy), and has a strong fragrance.
(2).Polygonum hydropiper.
Botanical description: It is commonly known as Là Liǎo, the whole herb, or root and leaves of the plant species Polygonum flaccidum Meism, or Polygonum hydropiper L.
The plant, Polygonum flaccidum Meism is a species of the Polygonum L. genus, the Polygonaceae family (smartweed or buckwheat family) of the Polygonales order. It is commonly known as Là Liǎo (means hot-taste Polygonum). Leaves are lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, 4~8 cm long, about 0.5~2.5 cm wide, the front end is tapering, the base is cuneate, edges are entire, both surfaces are glabrous, with brown dots, petioles are 4~8 mm long.
Racemes are spicate, apical or axillary, 3~8 cm long, usually drooping, flowers are sparse, lower part is discontinuous, flower bracts are funnelform, 2~3 mm long, green. The flowers are green, 5 lines are deep, and the upper part is white or reddish.
The plant, Polygonum hydropiper L. is a species of the Polygonum L. genus, the Polygonaceae family (smartweed or buckwheat family) of the Polygonales order. It is commonly known as Persicaria hydropiper(L.) Spach., also known as Shuǐ Liǎo (means Water Polygonum). An annual herb, the plant grows up to 20~60 cm high. The stem is upright or obliquely ascending, unbranched or ramificate at the base, glabrous, and basal nodes have adventitious roots (adventive roots). Simple leaves are alternate; have short petioles; ocrea (leaf sheath of stipule) is terete (tube-shape), about 1 cm long, brown, membraneous, has sparse short appressed hairs, front end is truncated, has short cilia; leaf blades are lanceolate, 4-8 cm long, 0.8-2 cm wide, front end is acuminate, base is cuneate, both surfaces have black glandular pots, leaf edges have marginal seta (tricholoma).
Racemes are spicate, apical or axillary, thin and long, the upper part is curved, pendulous, 4~10 cm long, flowers are sparse; Bracts are funnelform (funnel-shaped), have brown glandular spots (glandular points), the front end has short cilia or is glabrate; perianth is 4-5-parted, lobes are pea green (pale green) or faint red (pale red), densely covered with brown glandular spots; 6 stamens, rarely 8, shorter than perianth; 2–3 styles, base connate, stigma is capitate.
Achenes are oval (egg-shaped), flat-sided, darkish brown (dust-colour), in at least 3 rows, 2.5 mm long, the surface is speckled, has thick spots, enveloped in the persistent perianth. Its flowering period and fruiting period is from June to October.
Ecological environment: Polygonum hydropiper grows in raw river beaches, ditch edges, valley wetlands, and marshes at roadsides, in areas at altitudes of 50-3,500 meters above sea level. It is distributed in the northern and southern areas of China.
Growth characteristics: The plant grows in low mountain areas, half-shade moist places in dam areas, or in shallow water regions. It grows better in fertile clay and sandy loam.
Characters of herbs: The stem is cylindrical, has branches, 30-70 cm long, about 6 mm in diameter; the surface is celadon (sage green) or red-brown, has fine ridge lines, nodes are swollen; the texture of the herb is crisp, easily broken, the fracture surface is light yellow, hollow. Leaves are alternate, petiolate; leaf blades are wizened or broken, the complete leaf blades are lanceolate or oval-lanceolate when it unfolds, 5-10 cm long, 0.7-1.5 cm wide, the front end is acuminate, the base is cuneate, entire, the upper surface is tan (chocolate brown), the under surface is breen (brownish green), both surfaces have black brown spots and tiny glandular spots; ocrea (leaf sheath of stipule) is terete, 0.8-1.1 cm long, puce (purple-brown), marginal seta (tricholoma) is 1-3 mm long. Racemes are 4-10 cm long, flowers in clusters are sparse and discontinuous; perianth is pea green (pale green), 5-lobed, and densely covered with glandular spots. The herb has a slight odor, it tastes pungent and spicy. The herb of a better grade has many leaves, flowers, and a strong spicy taste.
Pharmacological actions: ①.B group vitamin-like effects:The herb Medicated Leaven contains a lot of yeast and B vitamins. The dried yeast also contains a variety of B vitamins, so the herb has B group vitamin-like effects, such as increase appetite, maintain normal digestive function, etc.
Medicinal efficacy: Replenish the spleen and harmonize the stomach, aid digestion and regulate the middle energizer, aid digestion, and eliminate indigestion. It is indicated for retention of food and drink, dyspepsia and indigestion (food retention, indigestion), chest fullness and abdominal distension, abdominal fullness and distention, anorexia (inappetence), emesia and diarrhea dysentery (vomit or throw up, diarrhea and dysentery), postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis (abdominal pain due to blood stasis after childbirth), pediatric abdominal mass and hard retention, etc.
Administration of Massa Fermentata Medicinalis (Shén Qū):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Massa Fermentata Medicinalis (Shén Qū)
TCM Books:
①.Internally:water decoction, 2~4 qian (about 6~12 grams); or prepare to finely ground herb powder, or prepare to pill, powder; ②.Internally: water decoction, 10~15 grams;or prepared to pill, powder.
Contraindications,Precautions and Adverse Reactions:the herb Massa Fermentata Medicinalis should be used cautiously during pregnancy, it can lead to abortion, should not be taken much during pregnancy.
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1.Introduction of Shen Qu:Medicated Leaven or Massa Fermentata Medicinalis.
✵The article gives records of the herb Medicated Leaven, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source two plant species, ①.Artemisia annua L., ②.Polygonum hydropiper., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of these two plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of these two plant species, the features of the herb Medicated Leaven, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Pin Yin Name: Shén Qū.
Botanical description: The plant, Artemisia annua L is commonly known as Huáng Huā Hāo or Qīnɡ Hāo, the aerial part of the plant species Artemisia annua L, a plant of the Artemisia Linn. Genus, the Campanulales order's Asteraceae family (Compositae, aster, daisy family). An annual herb, the plant grows up to 40~150 cm high; The whole plant has a strong volatile aroma. Roots are solitary, vertical, and narrowly fusiform; Stems are solitary, upright, and have vertical striations, many-branched, smooth, and glabrous. Basal leaves lying flat on the ground, wither in flowering; cauline leaves are alternate, green when young, turn tawny (yellow-brown) when aged, glabrous, short stipitate, gradually turn sessile upward; leaf blades are usually tripinnatisect, lobes are short and thin, has tiny powdery pubescence, the upper surface is dark green (deep green), the under surface is pea green (pale green), has thin and small hairs or powdery glandular spots; both sides of leaf rachis have narrow wings; cauline leaves on the upper part of stem gradually turn small and stripe-shaped.
Capitulum (flower head) is thin and small, globular (spherical shape), about 2 mm in diameter, and has a fine and soft short stalk, many capitula compose coniform inflorescence (panicle); the general involucre is small, globular (spherical shape), flowers are all tubular flowers (tubiform florets), yellow, peripheral flowers are female flowers, central flowers are hermaphroditic flower.
Ecological environment: Artemisia annua grows in wild fields, hillsides or mountain slopes, roadsides, river banks, etc. It grows in areas at altitudes below 1,500 meters above sea level in the eastern province, in areas at altitudes of 2,000~3,000 meters in the northwest and southwest areas, and in areas at altitudes of 3,650 meters level in Xizang. It also grows in grassland, forest grassland, dry valley, semidesert, and gravel slopes, and also in salinized soil in other provinces and regions, which can be the dominant species or the main companion species of plant communities.
The plant, Polygonum flaccidum Meism is a species of the Polygonum L. genus, the Polygonaceae family (smartweed or buckwheat family) of the Polygonales order. It is commonly known as Là Liǎo (means hot-taste Polygonum). Leaves are lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, 4~8 cm long, about 0.5~2.5 cm wide, the front end is tapering, the base is cuneate, edges are entire, both surfaces are glabrous, with brown dots, petioles are 4~8 mm long.
Racemes are spicate, apical or axillary, 3~8 cm long, usually drooping, flowers are sparse, lower part is discontinuous, flower bracts are funnelform, 2~3 mm long, green. The flowers are green, 5 lines are deep, and the upper part is white or reddish.
Racemes are spicate, apical or axillary, thin and long, the upper part is curved, pendulous, 4~10 cm long, flowers are sparse; Bracts are funnelform (funnel-shaped), have brown glandular spots (glandular points), the front end has short cilia or is glabrate; perianth is 4-5-parted, lobes are pea green (pale green) or faint red (pale red), densely covered with brown glandular spots; 6 stamens, rarely 8, shorter than perianth; 2–3 styles, base connate, stigma is capitate.
Ecological environment: Polygonum hydropiper grows in raw river beaches, ditch edges, valley wetlands, and marshes at roadsides, in areas at altitudes of 50-3,500 meters above sea level. It is distributed in the northern and southern areas of China.
Characters of herbs: The stem is cylindrical, has branches, 30-70 cm long, about 6 mm in diameter; the surface is celadon (sage green) or red-brown, has fine ridge lines, nodes are swollen; the texture of the herb is crisp, easily broken, the fracture surface is light yellow, hollow. Leaves are alternate, petiolate; leaf blades are wizened or broken, the complete leaf blades are lanceolate or oval-lanceolate when it unfolds, 5-10 cm long, 0.7-1.5 cm wide, the front end is acuminate, the base is cuneate, entire, the upper surface is tan (chocolate brown), the under surface is breen (brownish green), both surfaces have black brown spots and tiny glandular spots; ocrea (leaf sheath of stipule) is terete, 0.8-1.1 cm long, puce (purple-brown), marginal seta (tricholoma) is 1-3 mm long. Racemes are 4-10 cm long, flowers in clusters are sparse and discontinuous; perianth is pea green (pale green), 5-lobed, and densely covered with glandular spots. The herb has a slight odor, it tastes pungent and spicy. The herb of a better grade has many leaves, flowers, and a strong spicy taste.
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