INDIVIDUAL HERBS

NAME: SU YA (GU YA) - 粟芽 - FRUCTUS SETARIAE GERMINATUS

Pharmaceutical Latin: Fructus Setariae Germinatus
Fructus Oryzae Germinatus
Common English: Millet Sprouts
Sprouted Rice
Sprouted
Setaria

CATEGORY

Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation

PROPERTIES

Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Sweet
(Bitter)
Warm
(Slightly Warm)
(Neutral)
Spleen
Stomach
9-20g
Tincture: 2-4ml

ACTIONS AND INDICATIONS

Actions Indications/Syndromes

Reduces Food Stagnation, strengthens and opens the Stomach and harmonizes the Center

Poor digestion due to Stagnation and accumulation of undigested starchy foods.

Weak digestion and loss of appetite associated with Spleen Deficiency

Overnight Food Accumulation

Strengthens the Spleen and encourages the appetite

Spleen Deficiency with poor appetite

*CONTRAINDICATIONS, INCOMPATIBILITIES AND HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Contraindicated for nursing mothers (Gu Ya).
  • Long-term use may injure the Kidneys (Gu Ya).
INCOMPATIBILITIES
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

MAJOR COMBINATIONS

Per. Citri Reticulatae
Chen Pi
Fr. Amomi
Sha Ren

Fr. Hordei Germinatus
Mai Ya

Rx. Codonopsis
Dang Shen
Rz. Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Bai Zhu
Per. Citri Reticulatae
Chen Pi
Fr. Amomi
Sha Ren
Rx. Glycyrrhizae
Gan Cao

Reduced appetite and focal distention of the chest and abdomen due to Food Stagnation

Restores normal appetite

Poor digestion due to Spleen and Stomach Deficiencies

Massa Medicata Fermentata
Shen Qu
Fr. Crataegi
Sha Zha
Sm. Lablab
Bai Bian Dou
Rz. Alismatis
Ze Xie
Poria
Fu Ling
Sm. Euryales
Qian Shi

 

 

Poor digestion food with decreased food intake and diarrhea from Spleen and Stomach Deficiencies

 

 

NOTES

  1. Su Ya is sold in Southern China as Germinated Rice Gu Ya due to their similarity of functions.
  2. This herb gently reduces and transforms Food Stagnation due to accumulation of grains and starches.
  3. When applied to the skin as a paste, it makes the skin glossy.
  4. Both Su Ya and Massa Medicata Fermentata Shen Qu reduce Food Stagnation. Su (Gu) Ya is more harmonious, gentle and tonifying. It strengthens the Spleen and tonifies Qi. It is preferred when the Spleen and Stomach are weak and unable to properly digest food leading to anorexia.
  5. The digestive action of Gu Ya is more moderate than Mai Ya. They are generally prescribed together to enhance the therapeutic effect.
  6. This herb is especially good for retention of grains.
  7. The two most effective herbs to treat Food Stagnation from grains are this herb and Fr. Hordei Germinatus Mai Ya which facilitates digestion and has some Spleen strengthening properties.It is best for treating Cold Food Stagnation with absorption problems. This herb has weaker digestive functions and therefore does not injure the Stomach Qi. It is most effective for Hot Food Stagnation with pronounced Spleen Deficiency.
  8. Unprepared Millet/Rice Sprouts Sheng Su/Gu Ya are best for assisting digestion of starches.
  9. Dry-fried Millet/Rice Sprouts Chao Su/Gu Ya, if lightly roasted are almost as good as Sheng Su/Gu Ya at digesting grains and starches.
  10. Distillate of Millet/Rice Sprouts Su/Gu Ya Lu reduces Food Stagnation, strengthens the Spleen, improves appetite harmonizes the Middle, generates Fluids and benefits Qi. It is an excellent beverage as a tea substitute for those with weak Spleen function, as it tonifies and eliminates Food Stagnation.