The功效 and effects of Chinese herbal medicine Scorched Hawthorn

Nov 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My colleague eats fried hawthorn berries every day, crunching on them noisily. I'm wondering if consuming too much is good for the body. Could someone please explain its benefits and effects?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Charred hawthorn (Zhi Shan Zha) has various therapeutic effects, including moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, stopping diarrhea, promoting qi circulation, and resolving blood stasis. It has a slightly sour taste and warm nature, entering the spleen and stomach meridians, thereby strengthening the spleen and protecting the stomach. The organic acids contained in charred hawthorn can promote the secretion of saliva and gastric acid, thus aiding intestinal lubrication and facilitating bowel movements. Additionally, charred hawthorn contains a certain amount of tannic acid, which has an astringent effect on the intestines and can be used to treat diarrhea. Moreover, due to its warm nature, charred hawthorn also enters the liver channel and blood level, helping to regulate qi flow and dissipate blood stasis. It is beneficial for conditions such as chest or abdominal pain due to blood stasis and dysmenorrhea.