Lián Qiào (连翘) — Forsythia fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Lián Qiào (连翘) — Forsythia suspensa — is known in English as Forsythia fruit. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Lián Qiào as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Lián Qiào |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 连翘 |
| Latin name | Forsythia suspensa |
| English name | Forsythia fruit |
| Nature | slightly cold |
| Flavour | bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Heart, Small Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity — one of the most important anti-infective herbs
- Disperses Wind-Heat from the Exterior
- Reduces swellings and dissipates nodules
- Clears Heart Fire
Indications
- Wind-Heat invasion — fever, sore throat and early-stage respiratory infections
- Skin infections, carbuncles, boils and abscesses from Heat toxin
- Lymph node swellings and scrofula from Phlegm-Heat
- Urinary tract infections from Heart Fire transmitting to the Small Intestine
- Acute febrile disease
4. Key formulas containing Lián Qiào
Lián Qiào appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Forsythia suspensa (Lian Qiao) is one of the most important antimicrobial herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica. Key bioactive constituents include forsythoside A, phillyrin, phillygenin and rutin. Research confirms broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Forsythoside A has documented antiviral activity against influenza, RSV and coronavirus, and anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB inhibition. Lian Qiao combined with Jin Yin Hua (in Yin Qiao San) is one of the most studied herbal combinations for respiratory infections and was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Cold and deficiency patterns. Avoid in purulent sores that have already ulcerated.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Lián Qiào as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Allergies, Acne, Urinary tract infections. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
