"The Lungs open into the Nose"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)

Herb 5 of 6 in Herbs that Relieve Food Stagnation

Channels:
LIV, SP, ST

Properties:
Sour, Sweet, Slightly Warm

Latin Name:
Fructus Crataegi

Actions

Reduces Food Stagnation, Transforms Accumulation
Especially effective for improved digestion of red meat and oily, greasy and fatty foods. Treats indigestion with abdominal distention, pain and or diarrhea
Disperses Blood Stagnation, Dissipates Clumps
Treats post-partum or amenorrhea abdominal pain and spotting. Used for hernia and bulging disorders.
Treats Cardiovascular Disease
Treats hypertension, coronary artery disorder, angina, high cholesterol
Stops Diarrhea
Treats chronic dysentery disorders

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use during pregnancy
Use with caution in cases with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency
Use with caution in cases with gastritis or peptic ulcers
Do not take long term, it can harm the flow of Spleen and Stomach Qi

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

10-15 grams in decoction. Maximum dose of 30 grams (Chen)
9-12 grams in decoction (Bensky)

Notes

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit) has been shown to lower cholesterol via three separate mechanisms and is commonly recommended as a daily tea for those with hypercholesterolemia.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation
Jian Pi Wan (Strengthen the Spleen Pill)
Formulas that Reduce Food Stagnation

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.