A Brief Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Popular science of traditional Chinese Medicine
Lian Qiao (Forsythia)
1.
Properties and Effects
Bitter in taste, neutral, and non-toxic. It is indicated for conditions of cold and heat, mouse fistula, scrofula, carbuncles, ulcers, goiter, heat accumulation, toxic substances, promotes urination, kills roundworms, regulates menstruation, treats the five lin (urinary disorders), and detoxifies from smallpox.
2.
Applications
1. Used for external invasion of wind-heat or the initial stage of warm diseases, presenting with fever, headache, and thirst. Lian Qiao can clear heat and resolve toxicity, effectively dispersing the evil and clearing heat from the heart. It is often used in combination with Jin Hua (Honeysuckle) and paired with other herbs like Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed) and Bo He (Mint), as in the formula Yin Qiao San. Lian Qiao is particularly effective in clearing heat and draining fire, treating conditions where heat evil has entered the pericardium, such as high fever, irritability, and delirium, often combined with Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn) and Lian Zi Xin (Lotus Seed Heart), as in the formula Qing Gong Tang. 2. Used for various sores and abscesses caused by heat toxin accumulation, or conditions like scrofula and tuberculosis. This herb drains fire and detoxifies, capable of dissipating abscesses and resolving masses, historically referred to as the “sacred medicine for sores.” For treating abscesses and carbuncles, it can be used with Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum), Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), and Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) for detoxification and swelling reduction; for scrofula and tuberculosis, it is often combined with Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal Spike), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), and Bei Mu (Fritillaria) to enhance detoxification and swelling resolution.
3.
Precautions
Should be avoided in cases of wind-cold and excessive sweating.
Text Compilation: Liu Beihao
Typesetting: Liu Beihao
Images: Source from “Everyone’s Traditional Chinese Medicine”
Initial Review: Dong Xiaowei, Li Yuhang
Editor: Cai Jianwei
Review: Zeng Zedong
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