Liquidum Fermentatum Setariae Italicae
Aliases：Suān Jiāng (Sour Fermented Liquid); Suān Jiāng Shuǐ (Sour Fermented Liquid); Mǐ Jiāng Shuǐ (Rice Fermented Liquid).
Jiāng Shuǐ (Fermented Millet Liquid) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a unique medicinal material, as it is neither a plant nor a mineral, but a white liquid fermented from millet (Setaria italica). Due to its simple preparation and precise effects, it has been used in folk medicine and recorded in ancient medical texts.
Efficacy & Actions
Harmonizes the middle jiao and regulates the stomach, resolves stagnation and quenches thirst.
Indications
Vomiting and retching (nausea, vomiting, and dry heaving) Diarrhea and dysentery due to improper diet (gastrointestinal disorders caused by inappropriate food intake) Restlessness and thirst (mental irritability accompanied by excessive thirst)
Modern Pharmacology
Modern research has confirmed that “Jiang Shui” (Fermented Millet Liquid) is rich in various functional probiotics and offers multiple health benefits. Its core pharmacological actions include: lowering uric acid and alleviating gout; antitumor and immunomodulatory effects; antioxidant properties; and regulation of metabolism. Certain strains also show potential in promoting heavy metal excretion and preventing gallstones, among other effects.
Ingredients
Organic Acids: Lactic acid, acetic acid, and others in large amounts, which are the main source of its sour taste. Probiotics: Dominated by lactic acid bacteria, which serve as the core “active component” responsible for its functional effects. Others: Contains sugars, proteins, and trace amounts of flavoring substances.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Dissolved in boiling water for decoction, or cooked into congee.
Contraindications
If the soaking process is excessive and causes spoilage during preparation, it becomes harmful to the human body and should not be used. It is also a traditional liquid used for decocting herbal medicines, as its sour taste is believed to have the auxiliary effect of “relieving heat and alleviating restlessness.” As a dietary therapy, it can be made into a congee and consumed in the evening. It has the effect of relieving restlessness and harmonizing the internal organs. Due to its cool nature, it is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.
Selected Formulas
For cholera (Bingbu Shouji Fang) Take slightly sour fermented water, add dried ginger powder, decoct, and sip slowly. In summer, when the stomach and intestines are not in harmony, it can also be taken. For finger swelling (Sun Zhenren Shiji) Take fermented water, heat it with a little salt, and soak the affected finger while hot. Change when it cools down.
Daily Consumption
Take cooked millet (Setaria italica), soak it in cold water, and wait for five to six days. When white foam appears on the surface of the liquid, filter the liquid and it is ready for use.
Medicinal Parts
Fermented liquid.
Selection & Storage
Container: Use a well-sealed glass jar or ceramic crock. Ensure it is clean, free of oil and raw water. Storage: Best stored in a refrigerator (around 4°C); short-term storage in a cool, dark place is acceptable. Shelf Life: Approximately 3–5 days at room temperature; can be extended to 15–30 days when refrigerated. Important: Use clean, oil-free utensils when handling. If it develops off-odor, mold, or becomes cloudy, it has spoiled and must be discarded immediately.
