Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Shen-chu (神麴, also known as "medicated leaven") is a traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient composed primarily of fermented wheat flour and various herbs. Its historical use in Chinese medicine centers around promoting digestion, resolving food stagnation, and harmonizing the stomach. There is no well-documented use of shen-chu specifically for treating Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis) in either classical Chinese medical texts or modern ethnobotanical surveys. However, in the broader context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), some practitioners may recommend shen-chu or similar fermented products to support overall health or as a part of herbal formulas that target "dampness" and "toxins" in the body, which could, by extension, be related to fungal infections like Athlete's Foot. Despite these tangential connections, there is minimal direct evidence—either traditional or scientific—linking shen-chu to the effective treatment or support of Athlete's Foot. Modern research has not established antifungal activity for shen-chu itself. Any anecdotal or historical references are weak and do not reflect widespread or primary use for this specific condition. For these reasons, the use of shen-chu for Athlete's Foot is rooted in tradition, but the supporting evidence is extremely limited, and it is not a mainstay in either traditional or contemporary recommendations for this fungal infection.

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Other ingredients used for Athlete's Foot

Other health conditions supported by shen-chu

Products containing shen-chu

Nature's Sunshine Anti-Gas TCM