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
ashwagandhablack cohosh
chamomile
turmeric
fennel
ginger
ginseng
lavender
licorice root
parsley
rhodiola
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
punarnava
caesalpinia crista
boxthorne
goldenrod
yarrow
myrrh
siler root
fern
trichosanthes
queen of the meadow
arnica
Avens
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Ashoka
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Bethroot
Comfrey
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
Castor Oil
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Erigeron
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Eupatorium
Little ironweed
Other health conditions supported by shen-chu
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Addictions (general remedies for)
Afterbirth Pain
Alcoholism
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Appetite (excessive)
Anger (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)