Lian Qiao - Forsythia Fruit
TCM Materia Medica
Lian Qiao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "lian qiao" which in english is 
"forsythia fruit", is categorized within the "herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the gall bladder, heart and liver channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and cool taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 6-15g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Clear heat and toxins, dissipates nodules - carbuncles and hot sores, neck lumps.
- Expel wind-heat - fever, slight chills, sore throat, headache.
Lian Qiao may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: fever, headache and/or sore throat
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, lian qiao is generally included in the following 11 formulas:
ViewBao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Pills)
Epigastric and or abdominal fullness or painful distention after meals. Acid reflux, belching, vomiting with possible aversion to food due to food stagnation. This formula can also be used for acut…
ViewBi Yan Wan (Nose Inflammation Tablets)
For acute or chronic rhinitis resulting from the combination of lung qi deficiency and phlegm accumulation. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion due to phlegm. Can be used to treat for general cold or …
ViewFang Feng Tong Sheng Wan (Ledebouriella Pills to Sagely Unblock)
High fever with aversion to cold. Thick phlegm that may be both in sinus and chest. Vertigo or dizziness that is caused by excess heat. Rashes, carbuncles, and other types of skin disorders that…
ViewFu Fang Qing Dai Wan (Indigo Combo Pills)
Itching, rashes, general skin irritation especially of the type that moves around or is intermittent. Insect bites, allergic contact dermatitis, poison ivy/oak/sumac, sun burn.
ViewFu Fang Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan (Margarite Acne Pills)
Cystic acne, pimples. Skin irritation due to damp heat - eczema, boils, carbuncles, etc. With appropriate diagnosis can be used for acute dermatitis, poison ivy/oak.
ViewGan Mao Ling (Miraculous Cold Pills)
Common cold and flu patterns, particularly at the early stages. Can be used in lieu of actual bacterial or viral infection as long as flu or cold like symptoms are manifest.
ViewHuang Lian Shang Qing Wan (Coptis Clearance Pill)
Dispels wind heat, clear toxic heat - generally used short-term for inflammatory conditions of the face, mouth, head - sore throat, conjunctivitis, acne, swollen gums. Can be a supportive formula fo…
ViewNei Xiao Luo Li Wan (Internally Reducing Cervical Lymphadenitis Pills)
Phlegm obstructions - generally benign masses, lumps, swellings such as lymph nodules, breast cysts, thyroid nodules, goiter, ovarian cysts, fibroids, etc. If used, it may often be combined with dee…
ViewPu Ji Xiao Du Wan (Universal Benefit Decoction To Eliminate Toxin)
Acute febrile disorder (wind-heat & damp-phlegm) of the head - strong fever and chills, burning pain of head and face, red and/or swollen eyes, sore throat, aversion to cold, dryness, thirst. …
ViewTe Xiao Bi Min Gan Wan (Specially Effective Nasal Allergy Pills)
Generally useful for a range of allergy symptoms - seasonal allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis, dry or watery eyes, sinus headaches, etc. Can be used both as a preventative and as a symptomatic aid for …
ViewYin Qiao Wan (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Formula)
Common cold or flu presenting with fever w/slight or no chills, headache, desire for fluids, cough, sore throat. Acute respitory infections, acute fever, tonsillitis, canker sores.
As noted above, lian qiao is within the herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... toxins for the purpose of this categorization means fevers and other adverse effects of infectious diseases where patients are clinically sick. )".
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