Lian Qiao (Forsythia)
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/ Lian Qiao (Forsythia) Overview /
Lian Qiao (Forsythia), the dried fruit of the plant Forsythia suspensa, belongs to the Oleaceae family. Also known as Huanghua Tiao, Lian Ke, Qing Qiao, Luo Qiao, and Huang Qi Dan, the fruit is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its primary functions include clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling, and dispersing nodules. Additionally, Lian Qiao exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Lian Qiao is produced in Northeast China, North China, and the Yangtze River basin down to Yunnan. The fruit is harvested in autumn when it is initially ripe and still green, impurities are removed, steamed, and dried, commonly referred to as “Qing Qiao”; when the fruit is fully ripe, it is harvested, dried, and impurities are removed, commonly referred to as “Lao Qiao” or “Huang Qiao.” After harvesting Qing Qiao, it is steamed and dried, and the seeds are separated to be used as “Lian Qiao Xin” (Forsythia Heart).
01
Functions
Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Lian Qiao is bitter and cold, primarily affecting the heart meridian, capable of clearing heart fire, detoxifying sores, and reducing swelling and dispersing nodules. It is effective for external wind-heat or the initial stages of warm diseases, with symptoms such as fever, slight aversion to cold, cough, and sore throat.
Reducing Swelling and Dispersing Nodules
Lian Qiao has the function of reducing swelling and dispersing nodules. According to the “Ben Cao” by Li Shizhen, it “opens the small intestine and expels pus. It treats sores and boils, alleviates pain, and regulates menstruation.” Therefore, it can be consumed for conditions like carbuncles, swellings, and sores.
Dispersing Wind-Heat
Lian Qiao is bitter and cold, capable of dispersing wind-heat externally and clearing heat and detoxifying internally. It is commonly used to treat external wind-heat or the initial stages of warm diseases, with symptoms such as high fever, thirst, and swollen throat.
Anti-Inflammatory
Lian Qiao has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, useful for treating heart fire, oral ulcers, halitosis, or heart fire descending to the small intestine causing heat dysuria and painful urination.
Diuretic
The fruit skin of Lian Qiao contains oleanolic acid, which, when combined with Bai Mao Gen (Imperata cylindrica), Mu Tong (Akebia), Chuan Lian (Lian Qiao), and Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia), can clear the heart and reduce fire, promoting diuresis. It is particularly effective for constipation and painful urination.
Antimicrobial
Lian Qiao exhibits antimicrobial effects, inhibiting pathogens such as typhoid bacillus, paratyphoid bacillus, Escherichia coli, diphtheria bacillus, cholera vibrio, and streptococcus. It also has good inhibitory effects on dysentery bacillus and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, it is commonly used to treat enteritis, dysentery, and psoriasis.
02
Consumption Methods
Heat-Clearing and Acne-Removing Tea
Ingredients:
5 grams of Lian Qiao, 3 grams of Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), 3 grams of Bai Ju Hua (White Chrysanthemum)
Method:
1. Crush Lian Qiao and Jin Yin Hua in a mortar, then mix in Bai Ju Hua and pack into a tea bag.
2. Place the tea bag in a cup, pour in 300 milliliters of hot water, and let it steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking. It can be steeped 4-5 times.
Effects:
Clears heat and detoxifies, helps with pus and hard sores, effective for those with body heat, excessive fire, and acne, especially suitable for summer consumption when paired with Bai Ju Hua for liver-clearing effects.
Zhi He Shou Wu and Lian Qiao Soup
Ingredients:
10 grams of Zhi He Shou Wu (Processed Fo-Ti), 5 grams of Lian Qiao, 5 dates
Method:
1. Wash Zhi He Shou Wu and Lian Qiao.
2. Place all ingredients in a clay pot, add appropriate water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 1 hour. Cool before drinking.
Effects:
Clears heat and detoxifies, strengthens the kidneys, and promotes hair growth.
Lian Qiao and Black Bean Soup
Ingredients:
50 grams of dates, 50 grams of black beans, 5 grams of Lian Qiao
Method:
1. Wash dates and black beans, soak in clean water for 30 minutes.
2. Use the soaking water without changing it, directly boil in a pot, add Lian Qiao, boil over high heat for 10-30 minutes, then simmer until the black beans are soft.
Effects:
Clears heat and detoxifies, benefits essence and promotes growth.
Precautions for Consuming Lian Qiao:
Side Effects of Lian Qiao
1. Damage to Gastrointestinal Health
Improper use of Lian Qiao can harm gastrointestinal health, leading to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Damage to Liver and Kidneys
Excessive consumption of Lian Qiao can affect liver and kidney health, potentially leading to symptoms of liver toxicity and abnormal kidney function.
3. Allergic Reactions
Overconsumption of Lian Qiao can lead to allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergies, resulting in dermatitis and rashes.
Contraindications for Lian Qiao
1. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency, or qi deficiency with fever should not consume Lian Qiao.
2. Lian Qiao should not be taken long-term, as it can harm gastrointestinal, liver, and kidney health.
3. Individuals with allergies should avoid Lian Qiao.
4. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Lian Qiao with caution, as it is slightly cold and excessive consumption may affect the healthy development of the baby.
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Editor: Shen Jing
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Review: Guo Yingge
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