山楂（学名：Crataegus pinnatifida），又称红果，是一种蔷薇科植物的果实，原产于中国及周边地区，因其酸甜的口感和丰富的营养成分而广受欢迎。山楂既可以作为水果食用，也可以加工成零食、药材或茶饮。在传统中医中，山楂因其消食健胃和活血化瘀的功效而被广泛应用。
山楂的主要功能：
1. 消食健胃：
山楂含有丰富的有机酸（如柠檬酸和苹果酸），能促进胃液分泌，帮助消化，对缓解食积、胀气特别有效。
2. 降脂减肥：
山楂中的黄酮类化合物和三萜酸有助于降低胆固醇，清理血管垃圾，同时促进脂肪分解，是辅助减肥的良品。
3. 活血化瘀：
山楂具有活血散瘀的作用，可用于缓解血瘀引起的疼痛症状，如女性月经不调或跌打损伤。
4. 保护心血管：
山楂含有槲皮素和维生素C，能够扩张血管，降低血压，改善血液循环，对心血管健康具有保护作用。
5. 增强免疫力：
山楂富含维生素C和抗氧化物质，有助于提高身体免疫力，防止感冒和感染。
6. 清热解毒：
山楂性微温，能清除体内积热，缓解因上火引起的喉咙不适和口腔溃疡。
冲泡方法：
- 取适量干山楂片（5-10片）放入茶杯。
- 加入热水冲泡，焖5-10分钟即可饮用。
- 可搭配菊花、枸杞或蜂蜜以提升口感和功效。
Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), also known as Chinese hawthorn or red fruit, is the fruit of a plant from the Rosaceae family. Native to China and surrounding regions, it is widely appreciated for its sweet and tangy taste as well as its rich nutritional content. Hawthorn can be consumed fresh as a fruit or processed into snacks, medicinal materials, or tea. In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn is extensively used for its digestive and stomach-strengthening properties, as well as its ability to promote blood circulation and reduce stasis.
Main Benefits of Hawthorn:
-
Aids Digestion and Strengthens the Stomach:
Hawthorn is rich in organic acids (such as citric acid and malic acid), which promote gastric juice secretion and aid digestion. It is particularly effective in relieving food stagnation and bloating. -
Lowers Lipids and Supports Weight Loss:
Hawthorn contains flavonoids and triterpenic acid, which help lower cholesterol, cleanse vascular waste, and promote fat breakdown, making it an excellent aid for weight management. -
Promotes Blood Circulation and Reduces Stasis:
It has properties that invigorate blood and dispel stasis, making it effective in alleviating pain caused by blood stasis, such as menstrual irregularities or bruises from injuries. -
Protects Cardiovascular Health:
Hawthorn is rich in quercetin and vitamin C, which help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation, contributing to heart and vascular health. -
Boosts Immunity:
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, hawthorn enhances the body's immune system, helping to prevent colds and infections. -
Clears Heat and Detoxifies:
With a mildly warming nature, hawthorn helps clear internal heat and alleviates discomforts like sore throat and mouth ulcers caused by heatiness.
Brewing Method:
-
Take an appropriate amount of dried hawthorn slices (5–10 slices) and place them in a teacup.
-
Add hot water and steep for 5–10 minutes.
-
To enhance flavor and benefits, pair with chrysanthemum, goji berries, or honey.
Hawthorn tea is not only refreshing but also an excellent health-boosting beverage.