Lian Qiao (Forsythia), also known as Jin Zhong and Jie Gu Cao, belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is a commonly used medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with significant medicinal value, often utilized for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Below are some of the main efficacies and functions of Lian Qiao:
Lian Qiao‘s Efficacy and Functions1. Clear Heat and Detoxify: Lian Qiao contains glycosides and phenolic acids, which have excellent heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. It can be used to treat fever symptoms caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as influenza, sore throat, and tonsillitis. Lian Qiao is also effective for skin abscesses, heat-toxicity blood dysentery, and acne caused by excessive internal heat. 2. Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: Studies have shown that active components in Lian Qiao, such as forsythoside, have inhibitory and destructive effects on various bacteria and fungi, providing good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can assist in treating infectious diseases. 3. Promote Diuresis and Reduce Jaundice: Lian Qiao also has the effect of promoting diuresis and reducing jaundice, helping the body eliminate dampness and improve symptoms of jaundice. It is suitable for jaundice-type hepatitis, yellow urine, and dry stools caused by damp-heat accumulation. 4. Dissolve Masses and Reduce Swelling: Lian Qiao helps to dissipate lumps and reduce swelling, commonly used to treat mastitis, lymphadenitis, and scrofula caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. 5. Anti-inflammatory Action: Components such as forsythoside in Lian Qiao have anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate the inflammatory response in body tissues. Therefore, in TCM treatment, Lian Qiao is often used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis and skin eczema. In traditional Chinese medicine, Lian Qiao is usually combined with other herbs to enhance therapeutic effects. For example, the formula “Lian Qiao Bai Du San” combines Lian Qiao with Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), and Shan Dou Gen (Sophora) to jointly exert heat-clearing, detoxifying, and blood-cooling effects.Lian Qiao‘s ContraindicationsHowever, not everyone is suitable for using Lian Qiao. Below are some contraindicated groups: 1. Individuals with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency and Cold: Lian Qiao is pungent, bitter, and slightly cold, with heat-clearing and pus-discharging properties. For those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency and cold, such as frequent diarrhea, cold stomach pain, poor appetite, and fatigue, excessive use of Lian Qiao may exacerbate existing symptoms. 2. Pregnant Women: Due to Lian Qiao’s blood-activating properties, it may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid using Lian Qiao. 3. Women During Menstruation: Similar to pregnant women, due to Lian Qiao’s blood-activating effects, women during menstruation should use it cautiously to avoid excessive menstrual bleeding or irregular cycles. 4. Patients with Hemorrhagic Diseases: Lian Qiao’s blood-activating and detoxifying effects may affect platelet aggregation and coagulation mechanisms, so patients with hemorrhagic diseases (such as hemophilia, purpura, etc.) should not use it. 5. Patients with Low Blood Pressure: Some sources indicate that Lian Qiao may lower blood pressure, so individuals with low blood pressure symptoms should use it cautiously under medical guidance. 6. Individuals with Allergies: Those allergic to Lian Qiao or other plants in the same family should avoid using it to prevent allergic reactions. 7. Patients with Liver Disease: Lian Qiao may have a certain stimulating effect on the liver, so patients with liver dysfunction or liver disease should be particularly careful when using it. 8. Long-term Medication Users or Chronic Disease Patients: Patients who are on long-term medication or have chronic diseases should consult a doctor before using Lian Qiao to prevent drug interactions or affecting the treatment of existing diseases. The contraindicated groups listed above are not exhaustive, and individual differences in constitution should also be considered in actual use. It is best to consult a professional healthcare provider before using Lian Qiao or any herbal medicine, following the correct dosage and medication guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.Lian Qiao‘s Consumption MethodsNevertheless, according to traditional herbal theory, Lian Qiao can be used as an auxiliary material under appropriate and moderate conditions. Below are several possible methods of using Lian Qiao, but any use should be consulted with a professional TCM practitioner or pharmacist. 1. Lian Qiao Tea: Wash an appropriate amount of Lian Qiao, and combine it with other herbs that have heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, such as Chrysanthemum and Honeysuckle, in a teapot. Add boiling water to steep, and after cooling to a suitable temperature, it can be consumed. This tea has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, suitable for consumption during wind-heat colds. 2. Lian Qiao Soup: Combine an appropriate amount of Lian Qiao with other herbs such as Ban Lan Gen (Isatis) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria) in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer on low heat for about two hours. After filtering out the herb residue, the soup can be consumed in portions. This soup can improve symptoms of fever and sore throat. 3. Lian Qiao Honey Drink: Mix an appropriate amount of Lian Qiao powder with honey, and after dissolving in hot water, it can be consumed as tea. The bitterness of Lian Qiao combined with the sweetness of honey can soften the bitterness and has a soothing effect on the throat. 4. Lian Qiao Medicinal Wine: Soak an appropriate amount of Lian Qiao with other herbs in high-proof liquor, seal it, and store for a period to allow the effective components of the herbs to dissolve in the alcohol. The medicinal wine can be consumed in moderation, providing effects of relaxing muscles, activating blood circulation, and relieving inflammation and pain. It is important to emphasize that the above methods are not daily consumption recommendations but are some applications derived from the traditional medicinal uses of Lian Qiao. In actual use, Lian Qiao should be used cautiously as a medicinal material, and the dosage should be strictly controlled.