Hawthorn (shan zha)

Hawthorn belongs to the same botanical family as the rose. An extremely common thorny shrub, it can reach a height of five feet and grows on hillsides and sunny wooded areas across the world. Hawthorn shrubs contain shiny leaves that grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. Its flowers (white, red or pink) grow in small clusters, followed by small red or black berries that usually appear in the spring. The leaves, berries and flowers are used medicinally. These items contain bioflavonoids, which have a variety of cardiovascular benefits, including a reduction in hypertension, increased coronary artery blood flow and improved contraction of the heart muscle. Large scale clinical trials have confirmed that hawthorn is effective in treating patients with earl-stage and mild congestive heart failure. Other smaller studies have shown that it may help patients with angina and abnormal heart rhythms.