Native to Europe and Asia, Hawthorn is a shrub that is nicknamed "the plant of the heart" for its benefits on this organ. Its fruits (Shan zha in Chinese) have been used for several centuries by traditional Chinese medicine for their health benefits.

In Chinese medicine, Shan zha is said to transform Stasis and invigorate Blood. It is traditionally used for the maintenance of the arteries and to preserve the balance of the tension.**