The Efficacy, Uses, and Contraindications of Lian Qiao (Forsythia Suspensa)
Lian Qiao, also known as Lian Zhao, Lian Qiao, Huang Lian Qiao, Qing Lian Qiao, Lian Qiao Xin, Lian Ke, Qing Qiao, Lao Qiao, Lian Yi Qiao, Bei Lian Qiao, is known for its ability to clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and disperse nodules, and disperse wind-heat. It is used to treat carbuncles, lymphadenitis, breast abscess, erysipelas, wind-heat colds, initial stages of warm diseases, heat entering the nutritive level, high fever with thirst, delirium with rashes, and dysuria.
Lian Qiao
【Name】Lian Qiao (Forsythia Suspensa)
【Alias】Lian Zhao, Lian Qiao, Huang Lian Qiao, Qing Lian Qiao, Lian Qiao Xin, Lian Ke, Qing Qiao, Lao Qiao, Lian Yi Qiao, Bei Lian Qiao.
【Source】Lian Qiao is the fruit of the plant Forsythia suspensa, belonging to the Oleaceae family.
【Classification】Heat-clearing and detoxifying herb
【Properties】Bitter, slightly cold.
【Efficacy】Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and disperses nodules, disperses wind-heat.
【Indications】Used for carbuncles, lymphadenitis, breast abscess, erysipelas, wind-heat colds, initial stages of warm diseases, heat entering the nutritive level, high fever with thirst, delirium with rashes, and dysuria.
【Dosage】6-15 grams.
【Source】2015 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia
The Efficacy, Uses, and Contraindications of Lian Qiao
【Efficacy and Uses of Lian Qiao】Clears heat, detoxifies, disperses nodules, and reduces swelling. Used for warm heat, erysipelas, rashes, carbuncles, lymphadenitis, and dysuria.
1. For treating tongue ulcers: 50 grams of Lian Qiao, 30 grams of Huang Bai (Phellodendron), and 20 grams of Gan Cao (Licorice). Decoction for gargling. (From “Yuqiao Medical Orders”)
2. For treating Taiyin wind-heat, warm heat, warm epidemic, and winter warmth, with initial symptoms of heat without aversion to cold and thirst: 60 grams of Lian Qiao, 60 grams of Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), 30 grams of Ku Jiao Geng (Bitter Root), 30 grams of Bo He (Mint), 20 grams of Zhu Ye (Bamboo Leaf), 30 grams of Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Licorice), 20 grams of Jie Sui (Mustard Seed), 30 grams of Dan Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean), and 30 grams of Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed). Grind into a powder, take 30 grams each time, decoct with fresh reed root soup until fragrant, then take. Do not overboil. For severe cases, take every two hours, three times a day, and once at night; for mild cases, take every three hours, three times a day, and once at night; if symptoms persist, repeat. (From “Differentiation of Warm Diseases” Yin Qiao San)
3. For treating lymphadenitis and tuberculosis that do not resolve: equal parts of Lian Qiao, Gui Jian Yu (Corydalis), Qu Mai (Dianthus), and Gan Cao (Licorice, roasted). Grind into a fine powder, take 6 grams before bed with rice wash water. (From “Yang’s Family Collection”)
4. For treating all types of heat in children: equal parts of Lian Qiao, Fang Feng (Siler), Gan Cao (Licorice, roasted), and Shan Zhi Zi (Gardenia). Grind into a powder, take 6 grams with one cup of water, decoct until 70% remains, strain and take warm. (From “Classified Evidence of Living”)
【Contraindications of Lian Qiao】Avoid in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, and when carbuncles have already suppurated with thin, pale pus.
1. From “Bencao Tongxuan”: Long-term use may lead to cold-related issues.
2. From “Bencao Jing Shu”: Do not use if carbuncles have already suppurated, do not use for high fever due to deficiency, and do not use for those with weak spleen and stomach prone to diarrhea.
Dietary Therapy Methods
1Ma Huang Lian Qiao Chi Dou Soup
Ingredients: 6 grams of Ma Huang (Ephedra), 6 grams of Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), 6 grams of Gan Cao (Licorice), 9 grams of Lian Qiao, 9 grams of Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), 30 grams of Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean), 12 dates, and 10 grams of Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark).
Preparation:
1. Except for Chi Xiao Dou and dates, wrap the remaining herbs in gauze and decoct to extract the sweat.
2. Cook the herb juice with Chi Xiao Dou and dates until the beans are soft and cooked.
Usage: Eat the beans and dates, drink the soup, twice daily for three days.
Efficacy: Detoxifies, promotes diuresis, dispels wind, and clears heat. Suitable for wind rashes, skin damp-heat rashes, and edema due to damp-heat obstruction caused by external wind.
Note: Contraindicated for patients with Yin water syndrome.