连翘 (Lian Qiao)
连翘 (Lian Qiao) is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, and when paired with the honeysuckle (金银花, Jin Yin Hua) we introduced last time, it forms a classic combination. The well-known formula“银翘散 (Yin Qiao San)” is named after this pairing. In the system of Chinese herbal medicine, Lian Qiao is considered a herb that clears heat and detoxifies. However, do you really understand Lian Qiao? Today, let’s take a comprehensive look at this commonly used herb.
Every spring, when visiting parks to enjoy the flowers, you often see two similar flowers, namely the “迎春花 (Ying Chun Hua)” and “连翘花 (Lian Qiao Hua)”. How can we distinguish between them?
In simple terms, look at the petals: the Ying Chun Hua has six petals while the Lian Qiao Hua has four petals. The stem of the Ying Chun Hua is generally green, while the stem of the Lian Qiao Hua is usually brown or yellowish-brown. If you break a small branch, the stem of the Ying Chun Hua is solid, while the stem of the Lian Qiao Hua is hollow.
Have you learned to distinguish them?
春 (Spring)
天 (Day)
来了 (Has Arrived)
Botanically, Lian Qiao belongs to the Oleaceae family and is a deciduous shrub. The medicinal part is the fruit of Lian Qiao. Throughout history, it has also been known by various names such as 连召 (Lian Zhao), 建召 (Jian Zhao), 连乔 (Lian Qiao), 青翘 (Qing Qiao), and 老翘 (Lao Qiao), with the latter two primarily distinguished by the time of harvest.
If harvested before the White Dew (白露, Bai Lu), when the fruit is just maturing and the shell is green, it is called“青翘 (Qing Qiao)”. If harvested during the Cold Dew (寒露, Han Lu) period, when the fruit is fully ripe and the shell is yellow, it is called“老翘 (Lao Qiao)”. The medicinal use of Qing Qiao is preferred, and it is generally dried and used in medicine after harvesting.
Modern science has found that Lian Qiao has certain antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, and antiemetic effects.
· Efficacy and Characteristics ·
1、Clearing Heat and Detoxifying, Reducing Abscesses and Dissolving Nodules:
This is the most familiar function of Lian Qiao. It has a bitter and cold nature, and it enters the Heart meridian. The Inner Canon of Huangdi states,“All pains, itching, and sores belong to the Heart,” and Lian Qiao can clear Heart fire and resolve sore toxins, as well as disperse stagnant Qi and blood, thus it has been referred to as the“Holy Medicine for Sores” by generations of TCM practitioners.
2、Dispersing Wind-Heat:
For various external wind-heat conditions, or initial stages of warm diseases presenting with fever, headache, thirst, etc., Lian Qiao can clear heat and detoxify, dispelling evil and is effective in clearing the Heart and dispersing heat from the upper jiao. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with Jin Yin Hua, and sometimes combined with other herbs like 牛蒡子 (Niu Bang Zi) and 薄荷 (Bo He), as in the formula Yin Qiao San.
3、Clearing Heat and Promoting Urination:
Lian Qiao can enter the Heart and Small Intestine meridians, possessing the ability to clear heat and drain fire. Thus, it is suitable for conditions of lower jiao heat with painful urination and obstruction, often combined with 竹叶 (Zhu Ye), 木通 (Mu Tong), and 白茅根 (Bai Mao Gen) to achieve the effect of clearing the Heart and promoting urination.
Contraindications and Precautions:
As a heat-clearing and detoxifying herb, Lian Qiao also has some contraindications and precautions that should not be overlooked.
For example: individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency should avoid Lian Qiao, as well as those with Qi deficiency and fever, and those with abscesses that have already ruptured and are producing thin, pale pus; Lian Qiao should not be taken for extended periods, as prolonged use can lead to cold accumulation.
· Methods of Consumption ·
1、Cooling Tea:
Lian Qiao is cold in nature and serves as a heat-clearing and detoxifying herb, effective for individuals with internal heat, excessive fire, or acne.
Herbs: Lian Qiao, Jin Yin Hua, Bai Ju Hua.
Preparation: Crush Lian Qiao and Jin Yin Hua, mix with Bai Ju Hua to make tea bags. Add hot water, let steep, and then drink.
2、Chrysanthemum and Lian Qiao Soup:
Herbs: Chrysanthemum, Lian Qiao, Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Licorice).
Preparation: Boil the above herbs in water for20 minutes, and drink when at a suitable temperature. Once a day.
Many things have their good sides, but there are also bad sides, and Lian Qiao is no exception. Although it has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, if you belong to the contraindicated groups mentioned above, please do not take it, as it will only exacerbate your discomfort. So please be cautious!
Contributed by: Qin Xin from the Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Welcome to follow Taiyuan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Video Account
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