Hawthorn contains various vitamins, as well as hawthorn acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid. It is also rich in flavonoids, lactones, sugars, proteins, fats, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The lipolytic enzymes it contains promote the digestion of fatty foods, stimulate gastric juice secretion, and increase the activity of gastric enzymes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hawthorn is valued for its ability to relieve food stagnation, act as an astringent to stop dysentery, and promote blood circulation to resolve stasis. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as food stagnation, abdominal distension and fullness, hernias, and amenorrhea caused by blood stasis. Hawthorn contains medicinal compounds-including triterpenes and flavonoids-that significantly dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure; it also strengthens the heart muscle, helps regulate heart rhythm, and helps manage blood lipid and cholesterol levels.
Suitability: It is suitable for consumption by the general population and can be enjoyed as a snack. It is particularly beneficial for children, the elderly, and those with digestive issues. Honey hawthorn is also recommended for individuals suffering from the common cold, indigestion, or loss of appetite, as well as for children with calcium deficiency (rickets) or iron-deficiency anemia.
