Can Hawthorn Powder Be Eaten on an Empty Stomach?

It is not advisable to eat hawthorn on an empty stomach. Hawthorn is known for its digestive properties, promoting appetite and aiding in digestion, but consuming it while fasting can have negative effects on the body. Eating hawthorn on an empty stomach may stimulate gastrointestinal activity, increasing feelings of hunger and potentially disrupting the function of the spleen and stomach, which could lead to gastric issues.

Hawthorn has a sour taste, and prolonged consumption on an empty stomach can lead to excessive stomach acid secretion, irritating the gastrointestinal lining and causing stomach pain. Additionally, too much stomach acid may result in the development of peptic ulcers. Acidic foods can have astringent effects, and eating hawthorn when fasting may lead to constipation. Research shows that hawthorn contains pectin and tannic acid, which can form insoluble precipitates upon contact with stomach acid. The high fiber content in hawthorn can combine with these precipitates and food residues, potentially leading to the formation of stones. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume hawthorn on an empty stomach.