TCM Doctor Lauren Curtain on the ingredient ‘Hawthorn Berry’, also known as ‘Shan Zha’.

“Hawthorn berry (aka Shan Zha) is one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine for clearing stagnation in the digestive system and promoting optimal digestion. Hawthorn berry is one of the star herbs included in our Digestive herbs blend.

Hawthorn berry is a classic herb used in Chinese medicine for overindulgence in rich greasy foods, alcohol and/or for symptoms such as bloating, gas and acid reflux.

It is said that the nature of Hawthorn berry is to ‘conquer and cut down’ in relation to a concept we have in Chinese medicine called food stagnation. Everyone knows that feeling after a big meal (take Christmas lunch for example) where your stomach is full and bloated and there can often be a sensation of ‘stuckness’ of stagnation in the abdomen, especially after meat or rich, greasy foods. Hawthorn berry is able to cut through the grease and accumulations in the digestive system and get things moving and properly digesting again.

Hawthorn berry contains good sources of fiber & prebiotics to help feed the healthy gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.

Hawthorn berry is high in digestive enzymes that allow stagnated food to be broken down and properly digested. It can also assist in resolving diarrhoea due to weakness in the Spleen and Stomach organ systems.

Hawthorn berries flavour is sour and sweet, two key flavours utilised in Chinese medicine dietary therapy to strengthen the digestive system. Hawthorn berry can help to increase the appetite and also improve fatigue.

This powerhouse berry is also a rich source of antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to lower high blood pressure.

This is one of the key reasons why Hawthorn berry has been included in our Digestive herbs blend, for its ability to stimulate and promote digestion and resolve accumulations in the digestive system.

We recommend consuming Digestive Herbs after food and avoid taking on an empty stomach. The stimulating effects of Hawthorn berry can cause a ‘jittery’ type effect if consumed on an empty stomach as all its stimulating effects have nowhere else to go!”.

Yours in knowledge,
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Traditional Chinese Remedies