Chinese Herb: Lian Qiao Herb (Forsythia)
Lian Ke; Huang Hua Ban; Forsythia; Weeping Forsythia Capsule; Forsythia suspensa; Fructus Forsythiae, Forsythia Fruit, Forsythia suspensa fructus, Forsythia viridissima, Golden Bell, Mimosa de Paris
Properties:
Bitter, Cool, Slightly Acrid
Channels Entered:
Lung, Heart, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Liver, San Jiao
Functions:
Expels Wind, Purges Fire, Clears Heat, Astringent, Promotes Urination,
Properties:
Anti-Inflammatory, Anticoagulatory
History:
Weeping Forsythia capsules grow on a small shrub that flowers bright yellow in the spring -- earnings its common name "golden bell". The Lian Qiao herb can be found worldwide and grows in many Chinese provinces. The green fruits are preferred to the yellow fruits, and when they are harvested their seeds are removed after drying to prepare for medicinal uses.
Fructus Forsythiae relieves toxins and clears heat from the Upper Jiao, often the result of fever and chills. It contradicts people with diarrhea, ulcerated carbuncles, ulcers/abscess, and is also found to interact negatively with anticoagulants such as anti-clotting medications as well as blood head from deficient Yin. It is often used to combat airway illnesses. The Lian Qiao herb can be combined with Ban Lan Gen to help the body fight Heat disorders that have been externally contracted, as well as cold and influenza.
