Lian Qiao (連翹), forsythia fruit, clears heat and resolves toxicity, dissipates nodules and reduces swelling, and disperses wind-heat; classically called ‘the holy medicine for sores’.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Forsythia suspensa (Fructus Forsythiae)
Common English Name
Forsythia fruit
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Lung, Heart, Gall Bladder
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and resolves toxicity
- Dissipates nodules and reduces swelling (scrofula, sores)
- Disperses wind-heat and clears Heart heat
Indications
Toxic sores, carbuncles and scrofula; wind-heat and early febrile disease; and Heart heat with irritability.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Jin Yin Hua for wind-heat and sores; with Xuan Shen and Bei Mu for scrofula.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold and in ulcerated sores from deficiency.
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