Chinese Herbal Medicine: Hawthorn Fruit, Shanzha /山楂
Chinese herbal medicine, hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), known as Shan Zha in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a nutrient-dense fruit. A 100-gram serving provides approximately 95 calories, 25g of carbohydrates, and 3g of dietary fiber, with negligible fat and protein.
It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants (e.g., flavonoids, procyanidins), and minerals like potassium and magnesium, which support immune function and cardiovascular health. Hawthorn’s bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and triterpenic acids, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. Its high fiber content aids digestion, while its low glycemic index makes it suitable for blood sugar management.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Applications of Chinese Hawthorn Fruit
Chinese Hawthorn, known as Shanzha in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is an esteemed herb characterized by its sweet and sour flavor with slightly warm properties. This versatile fruit is renowned for its ability to stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and resolve food stagnation, making it an ideal remedy for various digestive issues.
In TCM, hawthorn is prized for its ability to “activate blood circulation” and resolve food stagnation. It strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, alleviating indigestion, bloating, and meat-based dietary excess.
Modern research validates its role in reducing cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, aligning with TCM claims of cardiovascular protection. Hawthorn also addresses blood stasis, improving circulation to mitigate chest discomfort and palpitations. Its dual action on digestion and heart health exemplifies its holistic use in TCM formulations.
Hawthorn effectively eliminates accumulations, invigorates blood circulation, disperses stasis, and resolves phlegm while promoting the movement of qi. It is commonly applied in cases of dyspeptic diseases resulting from excessive meat consumption, abdominal mass accumulation, abdominal swelling and fullness, and abdominal pain due to stagnation. Additionally, it can help alleviate issues related to phlegm and fluid retention, diarrhea, and fresh blood in stool. Its wide-ranging benefits make Chinese Hawthorn a valuable addition to herbal formulations aimed at enhancing digestive health and overall well-being.
Chinese Name | 山楂 |
Chinese Pinyin | Shanzha |
English Name | Chinese Hawthorn Fruit |
Latin Pharmaceutical Name | Crataegi Fructus |
Category | Fruits and seeds |
Origin | The dried mature fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Br or Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.(Rosaceae). |
Production Regions | Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Hebei, Shandong. |
Macroscopic Features | Relatively small fruit, sub-spherical, 0.8~1.4cm diameter, sometimes pressed into a disc-like shape. Externally brown to brownish-red, with dense thin wrinkles, apex is indented, with remnants of calyx, base has fruit stem or it has already fallen. |
Quality Requirements | Superior medicinal material is large with thick flesh, lacks seeds, and has red skin. |
Properties | Sweet, sour, slightly warm |
Functions | Opens appetite, digests food, resolves stagnation, eliminates accumulation, invigorates blood, disperses stasis, resolves phlegm, moves qi. Apply to dyspeptic disease due to over consumption of meat, abdominal mass accumulation, abdominal swelling and fullness, abdominal pain due to stasis, phlegm and fluid retention, diarrhea, discharging fresh blood stool. |
Processed Form | Fried shan zha: Clean shan zha fried in pots with middle fire, until the color turned dark, take out and cool. Moderate the nature of medicinal material. Jiao shan zha: clean shan zha fried in pots with middle fire, until the external color turned burnt-brown, inner color is burnt-yellow, take out and cool. Apply to diarrhea in autum; clear aroma, sour and slightly astringent taste. Shan zha charcoal: clean shan zha fried in pots with fast fire, until the external color turned burnt-black, inner color is burnt-brown, take out and cool. Advanced in effect of stop-bleeding. |
