Chinese herbs

Hawthorn berry (shanzha)

Also called: shanzha, haw flakes

Hawthorn fruit eaten as snacks and in teas.

Why people take it: Digestion, cholesterol.
What the evidence says: See the hawthorn entry.
How it is usually taken: As tea, snacks or 1 to 3 g of extract.
Be careful: Haw flakes are high in sugar.
Medicines it can interact with: Adds to heart and blood pressure medicines.

Other chinese herbs

Dong quai Horny goat weed Schisandra Jujube Chrysanthemum tea Gynostemma Eucommia Rehmannia Polygonum multiflorum Pueraria Panax notoginseng American ginseng Ejiao Pearl powder Monk fruit

Common questions

What is Hawthorn berry?

Hawthorn fruit eaten as snacks and in teas.

Why do people take Hawthorn berry?

Digestion, cholesterol.

Does Hawthorn berry work?

See the hawthorn entry.

How much Hawthorn berry do people take?

As tea, snacks or 1 to 3 g of extract.

Is Hawthorn berry safe?

Haw flakes are high in sugar.

Does Hawthorn berry interact with medicines?

Adds to heart and blood pressure medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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