Evidence supporting the use of: Shen-chu
For the health condition: Afterbirth Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shen-chu (also known as Massa Fermentata or medicated leaven) is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its digestive properties, but it has also been mentioned in classical texts as part of formulas addressing postpartum conditions such as afterbirth pain. The justification for its use in afterbirth pain is primarily rooted in tradition, especially in the context of herbal prescriptions aimed at harmonizing the stomach, reducing food stagnation, and supporting the mother’s recovery after childbirth.
In TCM, afterbirth pain is often attributed to blood stasis and retention of lochia (postpartum discharge), sometimes compounded by digestive weakness. Shen-chu, being a fermented product with a mix of herbs and wheat flour, is believed to help regulate the digestive system and support the body's overall recovery process. Some traditional formulations for postpartum care include Shen-chu to help with the assimilation of other herbs and to gently support the mother’s strength and circulation.
However, scientific evidence specifically supporting Shen-chu for afterbirth pain is very limited. Most modern research on Shen-chu focuses on its role in improving digestion and absorption, and not on gynecological or postpartum pain. Therefore, the use of Shen-chu for afterbirth pain remains primarily traditional, with a moderate historical basis but little direct scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Afterbirth Pain
AbutaAchyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agrimony
Alchemilla
Aletris
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anise
Anserina
Aquilegia formosa
Arisaema
arnica
Ashoka
ashwagandha
avens
bai ji
Baliospermum
balsam
bethroot
bishop\'s weed
black cohosh
black-eyed Susan
blue cohosh
boxthorne
Butea monosperma
Caesalpinia crista
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
capillary artemisia
castor oil
chamomile
chrysophanics
cinquefoil
cohosh
comfrey
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Davilla rugosa
Didymocarpus
dragon\'s blood
Erigeron
Eupatorium
Eupolyphaga sinensis
fennel
fern
fleabane
giant trillium
ginger
ginseng
Gnaphalium
goldenrod
Homalomena
labrador tea
Laggera pterodonta
lavender
licorice root
little ironweed
lodhtree
Lygodium
Matico
Mountain mahogany
Mugwort
Myrrh
Oxystelma
Paris polyphylla
parsley
Pentatropis capensis
Petiveria
Pluchea
prepared aconite tuber
punarnava
queen of the meadow
Rhodiola
Rhus glabra
Rubia yunnanensis
rue
Sanicle
Sesbania
shen-chu
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
siler root
Spanish Needle
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Stone Root
Tagetes
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Viburnum
Weak Jumby Pepper
xanthium (cockleburs)
Yarrow
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by shen-chu
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Afterbirth Pain
Alcoholism
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anger (excessive)
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Appetite (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athlete's Foot
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bedwetting
Belching
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Blisters
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Bruises (prevention)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
