charred hawthorn fruit

Charred hawthorn fruit (Chinese name: 焦山楂) is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the dried and roasted fruits of Crataegus pinnatifida (hawthorn). The roasting process reduces its sourness and enhances its digestive properties. It is primarily used to promote digestion, relieve food stagnation (especially from meat), invigorate the spleen, stop diarrhea, disperse blood stasis, lower blood lipids and blood pressure, and has mild antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Its main active components include organic acids (such as citric acid), flavonoids, vitamin C, carotenoids, phytosterols and volatile oils. Charred hawthorn fruit is commonly prescribed for conditions like indigestion due to meat accumulation ("meat food retention"), abdominal distension or pain after overeating rich foods or meats; diarrhea; dysentery; postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis; menstrual disorders related to stasis; hyperlipidemia; hypertension. It can be decocted in water for oral administration or included in compound herbal formulas. Not recommended for pregnant women or those with weak digestion unless under medical supervision[1][3][6][8].

Brand names

天江康美泽群聚参堂

Other names

charred hawthorn fruit焦山楂焦制山楂scorched hawthorn fruit