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[Manufacturing Method] On the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, take five jin of wheat flour to symbolize Baihu (White Tiger, representing Metal in the West), one bowl of natural juice from *Acanthopanacis Senticosi Herba* (Cang'er Cao) to symbolize Gouchen (representing Water in the North), one bowl of natural juice from *Polygoni Hydropiperis Herba* (Ye Liao) to symbolize Snake (associated with Yin/Cold), one bowl of natural juice from *Artemisiae Annuae Herba* (Qinghao) to symbolize Qinglong (Azure Dragon, representing Wood in the East), five liang of Apricot Kernels (Xingren) peeled and de-seeded along with river water from the north to symbolize Xuanwu (Black Tortoise, representing Water in the North), and four liang of cooked and peeled Adzuki Beans (Chixiaodou) to symbolize Zhuque (Vermilion Bird, representing Fire in the South). Mix these juices with the flour, beans, and kernels to form cakes. Wrap them in Hemp Leaves (Maye) or Paper Mulberry Leaves (Chuye), and ferment them according to the method for making Qu (fermented starter). Once a yellow mold layer grows on the surface, remove them and hang them in a ventilated place for use after one year.

[Properties and Actions] The taste is sweet and pungent; the temperature is warm. It belongs to Yang within Yang. It enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. It strengthens the Spleen, warms the Stomach, directs Qi downward, transforms food and fluids, resolves accumulation and stagnation, and eliminates phlegm and rebellious Qi. It treats Summerheat-Lao (deficiency syndrome due to summerheat), and Pi-Fu (a sensation of obstruction in the chest and abdomen).

[Dosage Reference] Size of Sophora Seeds (Wutongzi Da - used as a reference for pill size).

[Dissertation] In the manufacture of Shenqu, wheat flour is used as the Sovereign herb to symbolize Baihu, implying that the body's True Qi is entirely governed by the Lung (Lung corresponds to Metal and the color white). *Acanthopanacis Senticosi Herba* juice is used to symbolize Gouchen, implying that Wu Earth belongs to the Stomach (Stomach corresponds to Earth).

[Contraindications] Individuals with Spleen Yin Deficiency and excessive Stomach Fire should not use Shenqu. Shenqu can induce abortion; pregnant women should consume it sparingly. (Cited: Zhongchun)

[Processing] When using Shenqu, it must be stir-fried until yellow to enhance its ability to tonify Earth (Spleen/Stomach). Aged Shenqu is superior.

[Hongqu Properties and Actions] The taste is sweet and the temperature is warm. It promotes digestion, invigorates Blood, strengthens the Spleen, dries the Stomach, and helps transform food and fluids. It treats Dysentery with pus and blood (Chi Bai Li), menstrual pain due to Blood and Qi disorders, and incomplete expulsion of lochia postpartum. Grind and administer with wine. It can also be used for brewing wine, where it breaks up Blood stasis and enhances the action of herbs, dispels mountain miasma (toxic damp-heat in mountainous areas), and treats traumatic injuries. Medical texts record its efficacy in treating Blood Stagnation, Blood Accumulation, Heart Pain, and Epigastric Pain, possessing the function of regulating Ying-Blood of the Spleen and Stomach, adhering to the principle of "seeking resonance with similar energies." (Cited: Benlin)

[Hongqu Characteristics] Its function of promoting digestion and strengthening the Spleen and Stomach is similar to Shenqu, but it uniquely excels in invigorating Blood and harmonizing trauma. Therefore, it is a crucial herb for treating Bloody Dysentery. (Cited: Zhongchun) Combined with Xiang Hong (Fagarae Pericarpium), Pangolin Scales (Lingli Jia), Myrrh (Moyao), and Tongcao, it treats upper internal injury causing chest and diaphragmatic pain, or hematemesis caused by anger. Administered with fresh urine, it yields miraculous results. Combined with Duanmu Xu Duan (Duanmu Xu Duan), Xiang Hong, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Pu Huang (Typha Pollen), and Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), it treats incomplete expulsion of lochia postpartum.

[Hongqu Dissertation] Hongqu is originally transformed from Damp-Heat Qi. Since the body's Ying-Blood is derived from Jin-Ye (body fluids), gradually turning yellow and then red, this process is mimicked to create this Qu.

[Chutou Kang Properties and Actions] The taste is pungent and sweet; the temperature is hot. It treats Yebing (dysphagia/choking disease). Rice husks belong to Metal, but the bran has a hot nature. (Cited: Danxi) For Geqi (obstruction in the diaphragm) and dysphagia where food cannot pass, use the fine bran from the pestle head, make into honey pills the size of marbles, hold in the mouth frequently, and swallow with saliva. If there is a sensation of an object in the throat causing difficulty in swallowing, use one qian of Chutou Kang (Rice Bran from Pestle Head) and one qian of Renshen (Ginseng), plus one qian of stir-fried Shilian Rou (Lotus Seed Embryo). Decoct in water and take three times daily.