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Lian Qiao (Forsythia) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb, derived from the dried fruit of the Oleaceae family plant. The fruit is harvested in autumn when it matures, cleaned of impurities, and dried for medicinal use. It is known for its ability to clear heat and detoxify, as well as reduce swelling and dissipate nodules, treating various human ailments. However, caution should be exercised regarding its side effects, as improper use may lead to adverse health effects.
Effects 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 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, it also 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, aiding in the rapid recovery of cold patients.
2. Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties
Lian Qiao also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties. The components such as forsythoside and fatty substances, along with volatile oils, are natural medicinal ingredients that significantly inhibit and eliminate various fungi and sensitive bacteria in the body. Furthermore, it enhances the body’s antiviral capabilities, preventing viral infections. Regular consumption can help prevent viral colds and other diseases such as meningitis.
3. Liver Protection
Lian Qiao not only clears heat and detoxifies but 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 may assist in the treatment of liver diseases such as 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 use can damage these organs and impair their functions.
Lian Qiao
This product is the dried fruit of the Oleaceae plant, Lian Qiao. It is primarily produced in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, Hebei, and Shandong provinces. The fruit is harvested when it is initially ripe and still green in autumn, cleaned of impurities, steamed, and dried, commonly referred to as “Qing Qiao”; when fully ripe, it is harvested, dried, and cleaned of impurities, known as “Lao Qiao.” Qing Qiao is preferred when it is less cracked and green in color, while Lao Qiao is preferred when it is yellow, with large petals and thick shells.
Identification of the herb: The fruit is elongated oval to oval-shaped, slightly flattened. The surface has irregular longitudinal wrinkles and numerous small raised spots, with a prominent longitudinal groove on each side. The tip is sharply pointed. Qing Qiao is often uncracked, with a greenish-brown surface and fewer raised grayish-white spots, hard texture, and many seeds that are yellow-green and slender, with wings on one side. Lao Qiao cracks from the tip or splits into two petals, with a yellow-brown or reddish-brown surface, and the inner surface is mostly light yellow-brown and smooth, with a primary partition, brittle texture, and many seeds that are brown and often fallen off.
Properties: Bitter, slightly cold. Enters the Lung, Heart, and Small Intestine meridians.
Main Functions: Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and dissipates nodules, disperses wind-heat. Indicated for abscesses, scrofula, mastitis, erysipelas, wind-heat colds, initial stages of warm diseases, heat entering the nutritive level, high fever with thirst, delirium with rashes, and painful heat dysuria.
Dosage: Decoction, 6-15 grams. For external use, an appropriate amount, decocted for washing.
Precautions: Avoid use in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, and abscesses that have already ruptured with pale, thin pus.
Modern Pharmacology: The water decoction of Lian Qiao has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, significantly inhibiting various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Components such as forsythoside and forsythoside have antioxidant capabilities. Ethanol extracts of Lian Qiao also inhibit tumor cells. Additionally, Lian Qiao exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-allergic activities.
Selected Formulas
1. For mouth and tongue sores: 15 grams of Lian Qiao, 9 grams of Huang Bai (Phellodendron), 6 grams of Gan Cao (Licorice), decoct and gargle.
2. For acute nephritis: 15 grams of Lian Qiao, decoct with low heat, divided into three doses before meals, for a total of five doses.
3. For children’s fever: equal parts of Lian Qiao, Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), and Zhi Zi (Gardenia). Grind into powder, 6 grams per dose, decoct for consumption.
Dietary Therapy
1. Yin Qiao Da Hai Decoction: Effective for dry or painful throat, hoarseness, and acute laryngitis.
9 grams of Lian Qiao, 4 pieces of Pang Da Hai (Sterculia), appropriate amount of rock candy. First, place Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao in a pot for preparation. Use 9 grams of Jin Yin Hua, add 300 milliliters of water, boil until reduced to 200 milliliters, then add Pang Da Hai. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, then add rock candy to drink.
2. Lian Qiao Stewed Rabbit Meat: Clears heat and detoxifies, dissipates abscesses and nodules. Suitable for red and swollen dermatitis. 10 grams of Lian Qiao, 150 grams of rabbit meat, 6 milliliters of cooking wine, 4 grams each of ginger and scallions, 3 grams each of salt and monosodium glutamate. Clean the Lian Qiao, slice the ginger, cut the scallions, and clean the rabbit meat, cutting it into 3 cm cubes. Place all ingredients in a stew pot, add appropriate water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 40 minutes, adding salt and monosodium glutamate to mix well. Consume once daily, eating rabbit meat and drinking the soup.
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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 formulas mentioned are for informational sharing only and do not constitute medical advice, recommendations, or guidance. Please use them under the guidance of a physician.