Shan Zha Xiao Zhi

Shan Zha Xiao Zhi is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula primarily used to support healthy lipid metabolism, promote weight loss, and improve digestion. The main active ingredient is hawthorn berry (Crataegus pinnatifida), known in TCM as "Shan Zha," which has been documented for centuries for its ability to break down food stagnation—especially from rich or greasy meals—invigorate blood circulation, and support cardiovascular health. The formula often includes other herbs that enhance these effects by moving qi and blood, dispersing food stagnation, draining dampness, supplementing the spleen, clearing liver heat, regulating appetite and metabolism. Mechanistically, it aids fat metabolism through bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and procyanidins found in hawthorn berry[1][6][8]. It is commonly used for symptoms like bloating after heavy meals, abdominal distension due to food retention or phlegm-dampness accumulation in the digestive system[2][7]. In modern practice it may be marketed under names like "Hawthorn Fat-Reducing Tablets" or "Shan Zha Jiang Zhi Pian." It should not be used during pregnancy.

Other names

Hawthorn Fat-Reducing TabletsShan Zha Jiang Zhi PianHawthorn Extract (Fat-Reducing)