 Hawthorn
fruit (Shanzha)
Pharmaceutical Name : Fructus Crataegi
Botanical Name : 1. Crataegus cuneata Sieb,
et Zucc; 2. Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var
Major N. E. Br.; 3. Crataegus pinnatifida
Bge.
Common Name : Hawthorn fruit, Crataegus
fruit
Source of Earliest Record : Xinxiu Bencao
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The fruit is gathered in late
autumn or in the beginning of winter, dried
in the sun and fried, or raw, fruit may be
used.
 Properties & Taste : Sour, sweet and
slightly warm
Meridians : Spleen, stomach and liver
Functions :
• Strengthens the stomach to improve digestive functions.
• Promotes blood circulation to maintain a normal metabolism.
• Relieves diarrhea.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Dissolves cholesterol deposits in lining of blood vessels.
• Eliminates food retention
Indications & Combinations:
1. Food retention (especially of fatty food)
accompanied by abdominal and epigastric distension,
pain and diarrhea. Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha)
is used with Medicated leaven (Shenqu), Germinated
barley (Maiya), Costus root (Muxiang) and
Bitter orange (Zhiqiao).
2. Postpartum abdominal pain and lochia due
to blood stagnation. Hawthorn fruit (Shanzha)
is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui),
Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) and Motherwort
(Yimucao).
Dosage: 10-15 g |
