Hawthorn Berry (Shan Zha) – Certified Organic Cut Hawthorn Fruit (Nuherbs) | 1 lb

If you’re buying Shan Zha (Hawthorn), you’re not here for mystery herbs and vague promises—you want the correct botanical identity, clear “how to use” guidance, and the confidence that what you’re buying is single-ingredient, organic, and properly sourced.

This product is Nuherbs Certified Organic Chinese Hawthorn Fruit (Shan Zha), listed by Nuherbs as: Crataegus pinnatifida; Fructus (fruit).

Why is it called “hawthorn berry” sometimes and “hawthorn fruit” other times?

Because “berry” is the common retail name, while “fruit” is the botanical/technical term.

• Hawthorn’s red “haws” look like berries, so shoppers search “hawthorn berry.”

• Botanically, the haw is a small fruit (a pome)—often called a haw or haw berry in foraging and plant references.

We use both terms—hawthorn berry + hawthorn fruit

Quick Summary On Hawthorn Berries 

Certified Organic Hawthorn (Shan Zha) in cut form—easy to simmer into traditional decoctions or steep into tea blends.

• Botanical identity: Crataegus pinnatifida (fruit / Fructus)

• Traditional TCM focus: commonly used for post-meal digestive support in Chinese herbal practice

• Why cut form matters: more surface area → more efficient extraction in tea/decoction

• What’s inside: 100% single herb, no additives 

Product Details 

• Common names: Hawthorn Berry, Hawthorn Fruit, Haw, May Flower, Whitehorn

• Pin Yin: Shan Zha (山楂)

• Botanical name: Crataegus pinnatifida;

• Part used: Fructus (Fruit)

• Form: Cut, Certified Organic

• Net weight: 1 lb

• Origin: China

• Brand: Nuherbs

• Other ingredients: None

Traditional properties (TCM description)

• Taste / nature: Sour, sweet, slightly warm 

• Channels (traditional): Spleen, Stomach, Liver

2) How to Use (tea + decoction + taste tips)

Option A: Tea infusion (lighter, everyday-friendly)

• Use: 1–2 teaspoons cut hawthorn

• Water: 8–12 oz hot water

• Steep: 10–15 minutes

• Taste tip: Hawthorn is naturally tart/sour-sweet. If needed, balance with a naturally sweet tea herb (or simply dilute with more water).

Option B: Decoction (traditional “simmered tea,” stronger extraction)

• Use: 6–12 grams cut hawthorn fruit (typical traditional range)

• Simmer: 20–30 minutes (gentle simmer)

• Optional second simmer: Re-simmer the same herbs 15–20 minutes; combine liquids.

When do people traditionally use Shan Zha?

In TCM practice, Shan Zha is widely discussed for post-meal support, especially when meals are heavy or rich.

Dosage note: Because needs vary and this may interact with medications, Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

3) Safety & interactions
Do not use if:

• You are pregnant or nursing, unless advised by a qualified professional.

Ask a clinician/pharmacist before using if you:

• Take heart medications (including medications for rhythm/contractility)

• Take blood pressure medication or have blood pressure concerns

• Take blood thinners/anticoagulants or have a bleeding disorder

Why we include this:

• The NIH’s NCCIH notes hawthorn has been studied in cardiovascular contexts and that interactions with medications are a concern in some situations.

If symptoms persist or worsen: seek medical guidance (especially for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or unusual swelling).

4) Research 

Hawthorn is one of the most researched herbs for cardiovascular wellness, but results depend heavily on the preparation (fruit vs leaf/flower, extract standardization, dose, and study population).

What research has explored (high-level, non-medical language):

• Blood pressure support: A systematic review and newer meta-analysis suggest hawthorn preparations can reduce blood pressure in certain groups, but results vary and more rigorous research is still encouraged.

• Heart failure symptom research (extracts): Large trials have investigated standardized hawthorn extracts (commonly leaf/flower extracts), including the SPICE trial.

• Traditional digestion support + modern interest: Reviews discuss hawthorn (including C. pinnatifida) in contexts that include digestion, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular pathways.

Important 
This product is cut fruit (Shan Zha / Fructus). Many cardiovascular clinical trials use standardized extracts (often leaf+flower extract).

5) FAQ

1) Is hawthorn a berry or a fruit?
Both terms are used. The red “haws” look berry-like, but botanically they’re a small fruit (a pome).

2) What is Shan Zha in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Shan Zha is Chinese hawthorn fruit traditionally used in TCM—commonly discussed for post-meal digestive support.

3) What does “cut form” mean?
It means the fruit is cut into smaller pieces to help water extract it more efficiently in teas and decoctions.

4) What does hawthorn tea taste like?
Typically tart/sour-sweet. Many people balance it by diluting, blending, or pairing with complementary tea herbs.

5) When is hawthorn traditionally used?
Often after meals in traditional practice (especially heavier meals).

6) Can hawthorn interact with medications?
It may. NCCIH highlights potential interaction concerns, especially in cardiovascular contexts. Ask a clinician/pharmacist if you take heart/BP medications or blood thinners.

7) Is this the same hawthorn as the European tree hawthorn?
This product is sold as Chinese hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha), commonly listed as Crataegus pinnatifida.

8) Is this product single-ingredient?
Yes—listing states no additives (100% single herb).

9) How should I store cut hawthorn?
Keep sealed, cool, dry, and away from sunlight/humidity to preserve aroma and quality.

10) What’s the difference between hawthorn fruit and hawthorn leaf/flower?
They are different plant parts. Research and traditional use may emphasize different preparations; many clinical studies use standardized extracts (often leaf/flower), while Shan Zha is traditionally the fruit.

6) Cut vs Whole vs Powder vs Extract

Cut (this product):

• Best for: decoctions + steeping

• Why: faster extraction than whole; easier straining than powder

Whole:

• Best for: long simmer decoctions

• Why: slower extraction; slightly more variable cup-to-cup

Powder:

• Best for: capsules, smoothies, or quick mixing

• Why: no straining; stronger mouthfeel; not everyone loves powder texture

Extract (granules / standardized):

• Best for: convenience + consistent dose

• Why: concentrated; often used when people want fast prep (but preparation type matters)

Quality & Testing

• Identity verification: helps confirm the herb matches the intended botanical material

• Safety screening: commonly includes checks for contaminants such as heavy metals, microbials, and residues

• Consistency: helps reduce the guesswork you see in low-detail marketplace listings

Bottom line: You’re getting single-ingredient, certified organic hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha) 

Prop 65 (California)

Some botanical products carry Prop 65 warnings because trace heavy metals can occur naturally in soil. Prop 65 is a California consumer disclosure framework. Understanding Prop 65

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. 

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Nuherbs

Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by in-house lab and independent third party lab. In-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.

In addition, the following additional tests are performed:

• Microbacteria
• Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen)
• Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic

References

1. Chemical composition, biological activities, and quality standards of hawthorn (PMC full text)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10623334/

2. Food applications and potential health benefits of hawthorn (PMC full text)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9498108/

3. The effects of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese hawthorn) on metabolic syndrome: A review (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31217924/

Blood pressure / cardiovascular support (human evidence)

4. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) clinically significantly reduces blood pressure in hypertension: meta-analysis of RCTs (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40732315/

5. Hawthorn extract (± magnesium) for mild essential hypertension: randomized double-blind pilot study (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11807965/

6. Hawthorn fruit extract drink in Chinese patients with mild hypertension and/or hyperlipidaemia (PMC full text)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11583496/

Chronic heart failure research 

7. SPICE trial — hawthorn extract WS 1442 in heart failure (clinical trial record) (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11113721/

8. Efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure (PubMed)
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19019730/

9. Hawthorn extract randomized blinded chronic heart failure trial (PMC full text)
   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2754502/

10. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure (systematic review) (PubMed)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18254076/

Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory mechanisms 

11. Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) fruit extract: anti-inflammatory + antioxidant pathways (preclinical) (PMC full text)
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7697658/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249900/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0215/p465.html
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ShanZha.html

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or take medications.