Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao)
连翘 · Liánqiào
Forsythia suspensa
Family: Oleaceae · Part used: Fruit (including seeds) · Origin: Shanxi & Henan, China
Nature
Cool
Flavor
Bitter
Meridian
Lung, Heart, Gallbladder
Lian Qiao — the golden forsythia capsule, 'the sweetheart of scrofula' in old texts — is honeysuckle's partner in clearing heat-toxin, with particular mastery over nodules, swollen glands, and skin eruptions. Harvested green in autumn, the split fruits with seeds intact carry the strongest forsythiaside content.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Clears heat and resolves toxicity
- •Disperses nodules and reduces swelling
- •Disperses wind-heat (with honeysuckle)
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Boils, sores, and skin eruptions
- •Swollen glands and thyroid nodules (traditional)
- •Early-stage febrile colds
- •Sore throat
- •Urinary discomfort with heat
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–15 g in decoction or steeped as tea with honeysuckle.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Yin Qiao San Base
Forsythia + honeysuckle + mint + schizonepeta — the essential wind-heat formula.
Lian Qiao Tea
Forsythia 8 g + honeysuckle 6 g + licorice 3 g, steeped 10 minutes for sore throat.
🔬 Modern Research
Forsythiaside A and phillyrin are studied for antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects; forsythia features prominently in modern respiratory formulas.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with spleen deficiency, dampness, and cold sores lacking heat signs.
