Lao Fanzhi WanYing Shenqu

Lao Fanzhi WanYing Shenqu

　　　Lao Fanzhi WanYing Shenqu was first created in the 11th year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1733), secretly formulated by Wu Yifei, a renowned physician of Quanzhou at the time. It is primarily used to treat colds, indigestion-induced abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, heatstroke, and dysentery, demonstrating remarkable efficacy. It was once presented as a tribute to the Qing imperial court and received high praise. In the 3rd year of the Xuantong reign (1911), it participated in the Nanyang Industrial Exposition. In the 8th year of the Republic of China (1919), it was exhibited at the Luzon Golden Lotus Exhibition in the Philippines, where it was recognized by the medical community as an effective proprietary medicine worldwide, earning a medal and gold award.

　　　　The formula of this Shenqu is unique, and its production method is exquisite, passed down secretly through generations. For over 200 years, it has enjoyed nationwide popularity and has been widely sold across Southeast Asia. It is now exclusively produced by the Quanzhou Pharmaceutical Factory.

　　 Quanzhou’s Lao Fanzhi Shenqu is a traditional medicine well-known both in China and abroad, with a distinctive and ancient formula.

　　 Lao Fanzhi WanYing Shenqu was first created in the 11th year of the Yongzheng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1733), secretly formulated by Wu Yifei, a renowned physician of Quanzhou at the time, and named after Fan Zhongyan’s maxim “If you cannot be an outstanding statesman, be an outstanding physician.” The Shenqu is primarily made from grains and beans, combined with more than 50 types of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and refined through multiple processes. Its prescription and production techniques are uniquely crafted, offering functions such as regulating the stomach, strengthening the spleen, eliminating food stagnation, and resolving dampness. It is mainly used to treat colds, indigestion-induced abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, heatstroke, and dysentery, demonstrating remarkable efficacy. It was once presented as a tribute to the Qing imperial court and received high praise. In the 3rd year of the Xuantong reign (1911), it participated in the Nanyang Industrial Exposition. In the 8th year of the Republic of China (1919), it was exhibited at the Luzon Golden Lotus Exhibition in the Philippines, where it was recognized by the medical community as an effective proprietary medicine worldwide, earning a medal and gold award.

　　 Wu Yifei, the founder of Lao Fanzhi Shenqu, styled himself Yuzhen, was originally from Xiawu Village in Jinjiang. Born during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, he began studying medicine alongside his formal education. Due to financial hardship, he practiced medicine in his spare time. In the 17th year of the Qianlong reign (1752), he moved to Tongtian Palace mouth at the North Gate, abandoning teaching to focus on medicine while opening a small pharmacy. He named the shop “Fanzhi,” inspired by Fan Zhongyan’s principles of “worry before joy” and “if you cannot be an outstanding statesman, be an outstanding physician.” In the 22nd year of the Qianlong reign (1757), based on ancient formulas, he created a new prescription using 52 kinds of Chinese medicinal herbs. After three rounds of fermentation, three rounds of sun drying, followed by slow roasting, and storage for 120 days until a fragrant aroma emerged, the final medicine was produced.

　　 Before Wu Yifei, others had also produced Shenqu using convenient prescriptions from herbal formulas. According to a public notice submitted by Wu Yifei to the Jinjiang County government in the 37th year of the Qianlong reign (1772): “Previously, Shenqu produced by other shops in Quanzhou were large and round, each weighing one jin or several liang. To avoid confusion, our shop’s Shenqu is made into four small square pieces, each weighing one liang, with sixteen pieces to a jin.”

　　 There is a legend that after Wu Yifei moved to Quanzhou city, one day, a beggar with sores on both legs came to the alley where Wu lived. Taking pity on him, Wu often gave him food and clothing and treated his illness, yet the beggar never expressed gratitude. Two years later, the beggar suddenly left, leaving behind a prescription before disappearing without a trace. Wu Yifei experimented with the prescription and eventually succeeded in producing the Shenqu.

　　 Another legend says that during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, during a major imperial examination, an examiner sent from the capital to Quanzhou suddenly suffered from heatstroke. Despite medical treatment, nothing worked—until he was given “Fanzhi Shenqu,” which cured him instantly. When the examiner returned to the capital, the Empress Dowager also fell ill with heatstroke. Upon the examiner’s recommendation, the Emperor immediately sent someone overnight to Quanzhou to fetch the medicine. After taking it, the Empress Dowager recovered, greatly delighting the Emperor, who then bestowed the title “Shenqu” (Divine Elixir) upon the medicine and awarded Wu Yifei a golden plaque of commendation. Since then, “Shenqu” gained fame both domestically and internationally.

　　 The pharmacological effects of “Lao Fanzhi Shenqu” include dispelling wind and releasing the exterior, treating seasonal colds, cold and heat dampness, heatstroke-induced abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, malaria, and cholera. It is especially effective in strengthening the spleen and stomach, promoting digestion, and stimulating appetite. Suitable for all ages and seasons, though pregnant women should avoid it.

　　 In the 2nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1910), “Fanzhi WanYing Shenqu” won a gold award at the Qinye Exhibition. In 1918, it was exhibited at the Luzon Carnival Expo and was rated as a “Worldwide Effective Medicine.” In 1985, it was recognized as a high-quality product of Fujian Province. Today, “Lao Fanzhi Shenqu” is not only widespread throughout China but has also earned considerable reputation in overseas markets.