Hawthorn Fruit (Shan zha)

It is the mature fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida Ege.Var.major.N.E.Br.or Crataegus pinnatidida Bge.,family Rosaceae.The medicinal material is mainly produced in Shandong Province,which is best in quality.It is collected at the end of autumn when the fruits are mature,after which it is cut into pieces and dried.It can be used in its raw or the stir-baked form.

Medicinal Properties:sour,sweet and slightly warm.

Meridian Tropism:spleen,stomach and liver meridians.

Medicinal Efficacies:promote digestion and relieve dyspepsia;invigorate blood and disperse blood-stasis.

Usage and Dosage: 9~12g.The raw is better for promoting digestion,while the charred is better for relieving diarrhea and dysentery.