Hawthorn Berry
Crataegus oxyacantha / monogyna
山楂
Pinyin: Shān Zhā
Plant Family
Rosaceae
Part Used
Fruit, leaf, flower
Origin
China, Europe, North America; many species worldwide
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub in the rose family with white flowers, red berries, and thorny branches. It has been used in both Western herbalism and Chinese medicine for heart and digestive conditions. In TCM, hawthorn berry (Shan Zha) is a digestive aid and blood-stasis herb; in Western herbalism, it is primarily a cardiac tonic. Both the berries and the leaves/flowers are used medicinally.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly warm
Flavors (五味)
sour, sweet
Meridians (归经)
spleen, stomach, liver, heart
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Digestive aid - for food stagnation, especially meat and fatty foods
- Moves blood stasis - for abdominal masses, menstrual pain
- Reduces blood stasis after childbirth (abdominal pain)
- Cardiovascular: heart failure, angina, hypertension
- Reduces cholesterol and blood lipids
- Atherosclerosis
- Diarrhea or dysentery (charred hawthorn)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, tablets, standardized extracts, and in cooking (hawthorn jelly, wine, syrup). In Chinese cooking, hawthorn is used to tenderize meat and in desserts.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 2-5g dried berries (crushed), simmered 10-15 min. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-3 times daily. Standardized extract: 160-900mg daily (leaf/flower extract, standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% procyanidins). For heart conditions: higher doses under supervision.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn, when berries are fully ripe and red. Picked by hand and dried.
Quality Indicators
Deep red berries, plump and round, with sour-sweet taste. Standardized extracts should be made from leaf and flower (not just berry) for cardiovascular use. Look for flavonoid or procyanidin content on the label.
Storage
Store dried berries in airtight container in cool, dry place. Shelf life: 2-3 years. Extracts: follow manufacturer's directions.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Severe heart disease (consult cardiologist first)Pregnancy (may stimulate uterus)BreastfeedingLow blood pressure (hypotension)Surgery (discontinue 2 weeks before)Children (insufficient data)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe and well-tolerated
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, dizziness) - rare
- Headache
- Palpitations (in sensitive individuals or with high doses)
- Rare: allergic reaction
Drug Interactions
- Heart medications (digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors)
- Blood pressure medications (may enhance lowering)
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin) - may enhance effect
- Anticoagulants (warfarin - mild enhancement)
- Statins
- ED medications (sildenafil, etc. - hypotension risk)
- Important: If you have heart disease, consult your cardiologist before using hawthorn.
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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