Fruits
Hawthorn berry
山楂Nutritional Value
4 / 5
Organ Affinities
Therapeutic Properties
Quick Facts
AHM Properties
Hawthorn berry, known as Shan Zha in classical AHM texts, is first and foremost a food that resolves food stagnation — particularly when the buildup comes from meat or greasy meals. It also moves Blood and clears stasis, with traditional applications including post-partum Blood stasis and cardiovascular support. Its sour-warm combination is unusual in AHM dietary work, setting it apart from most other foods in this category.
Hawthorn's oligomeric proanthocyanidins and vitexin provide potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, reinforcing its AHM role in moving Blood, dissolving stagnation, and supporting cardiovascular health.
Contraindications
Avoid in gastric ulcers or on an empty stomach. Not recommended in pregnancy in large amounts. Caution in Spleen deficiency.
Clinically authored and reviewed by Dr. Katrina Chojnicki-Hill, DAOM, AP, Dipl. OM. Cross-referenced against American Dragon Herbs and classical AHM sources. For educational purposes only — consult a qualified AHM practitioner for personalised advice.