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Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), also known as Tangzi, is generated by inheriting the Qi of Wood. Its taste is sour, and its nature is neutral. It enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It is essential for strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, eliminating food stagnation, and moving stagnant Qi. It can also dissipate old blood stasis and resolve meat accumulation. It is used to treat Erzhen Tong (postpartum uterine pain due to lochia retention). However, for those with Spleen deficiency unable to transform and transport nutrients, excessive or long-term use will further damage the vital Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, thereby increasing stagnation. It should be administered in combination with Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) so that the Yuan Qi of the Spleen is not damaged, and the stagnation will naturally resolve.

However, Shanzha is not a general capable of quelling chaos, nor is it a good minister assisting in nourishing the Yuan Qi; it is only suitable as an adjuvant to help resolve food retention and old blood stasis. How can it be used as the Sovereign herb (principal ingredient) or taken long-term as a health-preserving medicine? Why do modern pediatric prescriptions frequently include it?

Shanzha benefits infants and young children, eliminates food accumulation, supports postpartum women, removes Erzhen Tong, resolves stagnant blood, regulates sores and ulcers, moves stagnant Qi, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, and dispels abdominal distension. The reason for using Shanzha is that its sour taste belongs to Jia (Wood/Heavenly Stem corresponding to Liver), while sweet taste belongs to Ji (Earth/Heavenly Stem corresponding to Spleen). When Jia and Ji combine, they transform into Earth. Therefore, it is added to formulas tonifying the Spleen to assist its transformative and transporting functions. To eliminate blood clots and meat accumulation, it is because the sour taste enters the Liver, removing blood stasis stored in the Liver. Meat accumulation is essentially a type of transformation of blood. The core is mainly used to induce labor and treat hernia.

Main Indications (referencing *Douzhen Hecan*): Detoxifies and promotes the eruption of smallpox/rashes, aids digestion and strengthens the stomach, transforms phlegm and moves stagnant Qi, promotes healing of sores and ulcers, and resolves stagnant blood. It possesses efficacy similar to processed Renshen (Ginseng Radix). It is used for smallpox/rashes because the toxin arises from Blood heat and Qi stagnation; relying on the sour taste entering the Liver helps dissolve and transform blood toxins into pus and fluid for discharge. However, its nature scatters Blood and resolves knots; excessive use leads to internal deficiency. It is strictly contraindicated for patients with Qi deficiency and loose stools. The core should be removed before use, as the kernel may cause diarrhea.

Commentary: Shanzha is good at resolving accumulation caused by greasy and gamey meat, which differs from Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) that resolves grain accumulation. Zhang Zhongjing did not use Maiya or Shanzha in his 113 formulas for treating Cold Damage (Shanghan). Why? Because their properties are mild, and they are not capable ministers for handling chaotic/critical conditions; thus, he only used Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) and Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction). Modern practitioners indiscriminately use Shanzha regardless of whether there is meat accumulation, considering it safe, but this may be of no benefit and even cause minor harm.