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Lian Qiao (Forsythia Suspensa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the dried fruit of the Oleaceae family plant, harvested in autumn when the fruit matures. After harvesting, impurities are removed, and the fruit is air-dried for medicinal use. Lian Qiao can clear heat and detoxify, as well as reduce swelling and dissipate nodules, treating various human diseases. However, caution should be exercised regarding its side effects, as improper use may lead to adverse effects on the body.
The Efficacy and Functions of Lian Qiao
1. Fever Reduction
Lian Qiao is a medicinal herb that can relieve exterior symptoms and reduce fever. It increases the permeability of human capillaries and enhances the body’s resistance to salt. When individuals experience fever due to a cold, an appropriate amount of Lian Qiao can be taken to help restore normal body temperature quickly. In addition to reducing fever, Lian Qiao also significantly alleviates other discomforts associated with colds. When combined with other herbs such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), it can be decocted to treat influenza, helping patients recover swiftly.
2. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties
Lian Qiao also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. The components such as forsythoside and lipids, along with volatile oils, are natural medicinal ingredients that have a significant inhibitory and destructive effect on various fungi and sensitive bacteria in the human body. Moreover, it enhances the body’s antiviral capabilities, preventing viral infections. Regular consumption can help prevent viral influenza and other diseases.
3. Liver Protection
In addition to clearing heat and detoxifying, Lian Qiao also protects the liver. It can repair damaged liver cells and form a protective membrane on the surface of the liver, preventing viral damage. Additionally, it accelerates the production of liver glycogen, enhancing the liver’s detoxification function. Regular consumption can protect the liver and is also used as an adjunct treatment for hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Side Effects of Lian Qiao
Although Lian Qiao is a highly valuable medicinal herb, it does have certain side effects. It can stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. After taking Lian Qiao, it may also increase the burden on the liver and kidneys; excessive consumption can damage these organs and lead to reduced liver and kidney function.
Aliases: Huanghua Tiao, Lian Ke, Qing Qiao
Lian Qiao is a plant of the Oleaceae family, with its medicinal part being the fruit. The fruit is elongated to oval-shaped, slightly flattened, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 cm in length and 0.5 to 1.3 cm in diameter. The surface has irregular longitudinal wrinkles and many small raised spots, with a sharp tip at the top and a small fruit stem at the base or already fallen off. It is mainly produced in Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, and Yunnan provinces.
There are many similar medicinal materials to Lian Qiao, which can easily be confused. Care should be taken when purchasing. The counterfeit known as Qin Lian Qiao is generally spindle-shaped, yellow-brown in color, with shallow wrinkles, often split into two parts, connected to the fruit stem at the base. Another counterfeit is Jin Zhong Hua, which is toxic; the stem usually has a plate-like pith between the nodes, and the leaves are slightly wider and not divided; the fruit is shorter and oval-shaped, with a thin skin, and has folds and warty protrusions at the base, distributed on both sides of the longitudinal grooves from the middle to the top, and is brittle; the seeds are golden yellow, triangular, with wrinkled seed coats and irregular patterns, and when crushed, they connect like threads.
Properties and Taste: Slightly cold in nature, bitter in taste; enters the Heart, Lung, and Small Intestine meridians.
Efficacy: Main indications include clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dissipating nodules, and dispersing wind-heat. It is used for the initial onset of febrile diseases, wind-heat colds with fever and irritability, sore throat, rashes, carbuncles, erysipelas, painful urination, acute nephritis, etc.
Contraindications: Those with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, and those with suppurative sores that have already ruptured or with thin, pale pus should avoid taking it.
Ancient Text Excerpts:
“Yixue Zhongzhong Canxi Lu”: Lian Qiao has the power to ascend and disperse, circulating qi and blood, treating blood stasis and qi aggregation in the twelve meridians, and is an essential medicine for sores.
“Zhen Zhu Nang”: The uses of Lian Qiao are threefold: to drain heat from the Heart, to eliminate heat from the upper jiao, and to serve as a holy medicine for sores.
Selected Formulas:
Formula 1
Ingredients: Lian Qiao 18 grams
Preparation: Boil Lian Qiao in water over low heat until 150 ml is obtained.
Dosage: Take in three doses before meals; for children, reduce the amount as needed. Continue for 5 to 10 days based on the condition.
Efficacy: Suitable for adjunctive treatment of acute nephritis.
Formula 2
Ingredients: Lian Qiao 20-25 grams
Preparation: Grind Lian Qiao into powder.
Dosage: Adults take 1 dose daily, divided into three doses before meals.
Efficacy: Suitable for adjunctive treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Formula 3
Ingredients: Lian Qiao, Da Qing Ye (Isatis Leaf), Gan Cao (Licorice), Chi Shao (Red Peony) each 10 grams, Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) 15 grams.
Preparation: Boil the above herbs in water, filter out the residue to obtain the juice.
Dosage: 1 dose daily, divided into 2 doses.
Efficacy: Suitable for hand-foot-mouth disease.
Note: Not suitable for children under 7 years old.
Formula 4
Ingredients: Lian Qiao, Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) each 12 grams, Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Fang Feng (Siler), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Chi Shao (Red Peony) each 6 grams, Gan Cao (Licorice) 3 grams.
Preparation: Boil the above herbs in water, filter out the residue to obtain the juice.
Dosage: Take 1 dose in the morning and evening, daily.
Efficacy: Clears heat, disperses wind, and detoxifies; suitable for tearing up due to wind, keratitis with redness of the white part of the eye, bitter mouth, yellowish urine, and constipation.
Formula 5
Ingredients: Lian Qiao, Jin Yin Hua, Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed), Da Qing Ye each 9 grams, Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Flower), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Jin Deng Long (Physalis) each 6 grams, Bo He (Mint), Chan Tui (Cicada Slough), Gan Cao (Licorice) each 3 grams.
Preparation: Boil the above herbs in water to obtain the medicinal juice.
Dosage: 1 dose daily, divided into 2 doses.
Efficacy: Clears heat and detoxifies; suitable for mild cases of scarlet fever. Symptoms include chills and fever, body aches, sore throat, diffuse bright red rashes on the skin that fade when pressed, and short yellow urine, with a floating and rapid pulse, and a red swollen tongue with a thick or yellow coating.
Formula 6
Ingredients: Lian Qiao, Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) each 12 grams, Jin Yin Hua, Ge Gen (Pueraria), Niu Bang Zi each 10 grams, Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Bo He (Mint), Gan Cao (Licorice) each 6 grams, Chan Yi (Cicada Slough) 3 grams.
Preparation: Boil the above herbs in water to obtain the medicinal juice.
Dosage: 1 dose daily, divided into 2 doses.
Efficacy: Clears heat and detoxifies, disperses lung heat and rashes; suitable for measles.
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Disclaimer: This article is reproduced from the internet and published materials. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal. The various prescriptions and remedies mentioned are for informational sharing only and do not constitute medical advice, recommendations, or guidance. Please use them under the guidance of a physician.