Does drinking hawthorn tea cause excessive internal heat?

Apr 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, drinking hawthorn-infused water does not cause heatiness (excess internal heat according to traditional Chinese medicine). Hawthorn is slightly warm in nature and has a sour and sweet taste; it functions to aid digestion, eliminate food stagnation, promote qi circulation, and resolve blood stasis. It can help improve digestion and stimulate appetite, making it especially suitable for individuals with indigestion or those who have overeaten. Drinking hawthorn-infused water in moderation can strengthen the spleen, stimulate the appetite, lower lipid levels, and assist in weight loss, without causing symptoms of heatiness. However, excessive consumption should be avoided.

Generally, drinking hawthorn-infused water does not cause heatiness (excess internal heat according to traditional Chinese medicine), but excessive consumption should be avoided. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Hawthorn is slightly warm in nature, with a sour and sweet taste, and has functions of aiding digestion, eliminating food stagnation, promoting qi circulation, and resolving blood stasis. It can help improve digestion and stimulate appetite, especially suitable for individuals suffering from indigestion or overeating. Drinking hawthorn-infused water in moderation can strengthen the spleen, stimulate the appetite, lower lipid levels, and aid in weight loss, without causing symptoms of heatiness. Additionally, hawthorn can promote blood circulation, alleviate pain caused by blood stasis, and help regulate menstrual discomfort and irregular menstruation in women.

However, excessive consumption of hawthorn-infused water may increase internal heat and lead to symptoms of heatiness such as dry mouth, sore throat, and constipation. Therefore, it is important to control the amount and frequency of consumption and avoid excessive intake. Moreover, it is advisable not to drink hawthorn water on an empty stomach; instead, it is recommended to consume it about half an hour after a meal to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa.

In daily diet, it is recommended to reduce the intake of spicy and greasy foods and maintain adequate hydration, which helps prevent symptoms of heatiness.

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