Botanical Overview
Forsythia suspensa belongs to the Oleaceae family and is commonly known as Weeping Forsythia or simply Forsythia. Native to East Asia, especially China, it is valued in traditional herbal medicine mainly for its fruit, flower, and twigs.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and drying in energetic nature, with a bitter and pungent taste profile. Directionally, it works by descending and moving outward, and its effect is relatively relaxing focusing primarily on the qi system.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiviral
- Diaphoretic
- Detoxifying
- Antipyretic
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Skin infections
- Inflammatory conditions
Syndromes
- Acute upper respiratory infections
- Febrile diseases
- Inflammatory disorders
TCM
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Red swollen eyes
- Toxic swellings
Syndromes
- Wind-heat invasion
- Febrile disease with heat toxin
- Toxic heat in the blood
Ayurveda
No established indications.
Unani
No established indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents include lignans, phenylethanoid glycosides (forsythoside), flavonoids, oleuropein, and volatile oils. These contribute to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of fruit: 6-15 g daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 50% ethanol: 2-4 mL 2-3 times daily
- Powder: 3-5 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in traditional doses; mild gastrointestinal upset possible. Use is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution advised when taken with anticoagulant or immunosuppressant medications.
Astrological Correspondences
None confidently established based on current reputable sources.
Selected References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Bensky, Clavey & Stöger, 2004)
- Plants For A Future database
- Phytotherapy Research Journal: Anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities (Zhou et al., 2007)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (WHO, 2007)