Shen Qu/ Massa medica fementata's Celestial Connection

By Karen Ko

Edited by Andrew Miles

In ancient Chinese culture, it is said that on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, six immortals - the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, the Vermilion Bird, the Black Tortoise, the Celestial Monitor, and the Flying Serpent - would descend to the mortal world. The traditional Chinese medicine Shenqu (Massa Fermentata) is made from six ingredients, each corresponding to one of these six immortals: The Azure Dragon corresponds to Artemisia annua. Artemisia annua has unique medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, it is associated with certain characteristics of the Azure Dragon. Perhaps it is because of its refreshing and dispersing properties, similar to the agile and upward - reaching traits of the Azure Dragon in mythology.
The White Tiger corresponds to white flour. The White Tiger represents fierceness and solemnity. The white flour, with its pure white color, is a major basic ingredient in making Shenqu. Just like the White Tiger, it has a simple and straightforward quality, providing the overall structure for Shenqu.
The Vermilion Bird corresponds to adzuki beans. The Vermilion Bird is red, symbolizing fire and enthusiasm. Adzuki beans are also red in color, echoing the Vermilion Bird. In the formula of Shenqu, they play a unique role, just as the Vermilion Bird brings vitality and heat in mythology, endowing Shenqu with specific medicinal effects.
The Black Tortoise corresponds to bitter apricot kernels. The Black Tortoise is associated with water, symbolizing collection and stability. Bitter apricot kernels have functions such as relieving cough and asthma by descending qi. Their properties are, to some extent, similar to those of the Black Tortoise, with a downward - and - inward - focused characteristic, playing an important medicinal role in Shenqu.
The Celestial Monitor corresponds to Xanthium sibiricum. The Celestial Monitor represents uprightness and stability in mythology. Xanthium sibiricum has the effects of dispelling wind and removing dampness. Its growth characteristics and medicinal functions are somewhat similar to the stable and harmonious features of the Celestial Monitor, and it plays a role in coordinating the other herbs in Shenqu.
The Flying Serpent corresponds to Polygonum hydropiper. The Flying Serpent is characterized by agility and change. Polygonum hydropiper has a pungent nature and can disperse and resolve dampness. Its properties are in line with the agile and change - adept features of the Flying Serpent, adding a unique aspect to the efficacy of Shenqu. 
It is said that on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, when the six immortals gather, Shenqu made on this day, having incorporated the power of the six immortals and the characteristics of the six ingredients, possesses miraculous curative effects, especially for acute gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, on the day of production, people often decorate with lanterns, take baths, burn incense, and offer sacrifices to the immortals to show their piety.