Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit)

From Sperb's Herbs Podcast by Dr. Greg Sperber

February 17, 2026 · 53 min · Episode 103

About this episode

This episode explores the Chinese herb Shān Zhā, its benefits, and its role in traditional medicine.

In this episode, we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, or Hawthorn Fruit. This herb is in the Chinese medical category of herbs that relieve food stagnation. This is one of my favorite herbs used for reducing food stagnation, moving blood stasis and clumping, and stopping diarrhea, as well as potentially having a role to play in helping cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol. We will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. And as usual, we will be exploring something a little different…we will be looking at four worrisome Chinese herbs. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. It is going to be another interesting episode…please join us as we examine Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, or Hawthorn Fruit!

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Greg Sperber

Topics covered

  • Chinese herbs
  • food stagnation
  • cardiovascular health
  • herbology
  • pharmacology

Keywords

  • Hawthorn Fruit
  • Shān Zhā
  • food stagnation
  • cardiovascular disease
  • herbology
  • Chinese medicine
  • cholesterol

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Shān Zhā, Crataegi Fructus, Hawthorn Fruit

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