Weekly Herb
Lian Qiao (Forsythia)
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Lian Qiao, also known as Huang Hua Gan or Huang Shou Dan, is a deciduous shrub with golden yellow flowers resembling those of the forsythia, blooming in early spring. The branches are jointed, hollow between the joints, and the fruit can be used medicinally.
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Guan JuQian Bu Lian Qiao Bu Ran Chen, Jiang Xiang Lan Hua E Mei Chun.Qian Xin Zhi Ba Ling Xian Zhu, Yi Hui You Dang Yuan Zhi Ren.
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The “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing” classifies it as a superior herb. Ancient texts state: “When its fruit is broken, the pieces resemble the shape of a bow.” This is how Lian Qiao got its name. Lian Qiao has a bitter and cold taste, enters the Heart meridian, and is renowned as the “Holy Medicine for Sores.”
The Pharmacopoeia states
「Source」This product is the dried fruit of the plant Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl) from the Oleaceae family.
「Functions」Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and disperses nodules, disperses wind-heat.
「Indications」Used 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, heat strangury and urinary retention.
Special Terminology for Chinese Medicine Identification
【Qing Qiao】Refers to Lian Qiao fruit harvested when it is immature and still green, dried promptly without splitting, commonly known as “Qing Qiao.”
【Lao Qiao】Refers to Lian Qiao fruit harvested when fully ripe, dried promptly, and split, commonly known as “Lao Qiao.”
Preparation of Lian Qiao
【Lian Qiao Shell】Remove impurities such as stems and seeds from the raw herb; wash, dry, and sift out dust.
Classic
Famous
Formula
Liang Ge San【Ingredients】Lian Qiao, Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Bo He (Mint), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Mang Xiao (Glauber’s Salt), Gan Cao (Licorice)
【Formula Song】Liang Ge Xiao Huang Zhi Zi Qiao, Huang Qin Gan Cao Bo He Rao, Zhu Ye Mi Jian Liao Ge Shang. Zhong Jiao Zao Shi Fu Zhi Xiao.
【Formula Explanation】This syndrome is often caused by heat toxin and fire evil accumulating in the chest. The treatment focuses on draining fire and detoxifying, clearing upward and draining downward. Lian Qiao is light and dispersing, excels at clearing heat and detoxifying, and clearing heat from the upper jiao. Huang Qin clears heat from the upper jiao and the chest; Zhi Zi clears heat from the three jiao, promotes urination, and guides fire downward; Da Huang and Mang Xiao promote bowel movements. Bo He clears the head and throat.
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