Botanical Overview
Forsythia suspensa (fructus) belongs to the Oleaceae family. The medicinal part used is the dried fruit, commonly known as Weeping Forsythia Fruit or Lian Qiao in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is native to East Asia, particularly China and Korea.
Energetics
This fruit has a cooling temperature quality coupled with a drying moisture attribute. The taste profile includes bitter and pungent flavors. Directionally, it is considered ascending and outward in effect. Its tonic effect is relaxing and it primarily influences the qi aspect of the body’s vital substances.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Detoxifying
- Diaphoretic
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Influenza-like symptoms
- Swelling
- Pain
Syndromes
TCM
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Red swollen eyes
- Abscesses
Syndromes
- Wind-Heat Invasion
- Heat Toxin
- Early-stage Febrile Disease
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains bioactive phytochemicals such as forsythiaside, lignan glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, and volatile oils, which contribute to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 3-9 g daily
- Powder 1-3 g daily
- Extracts standardized to forsythiaside
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in traditional dosages. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals. Use with caution during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. No major known interactions; caution advised with immunosuppressants.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible traditional sources found to assign planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Forsythiae Fructus Monograph, Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2015)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Volume 2 (2002)
- Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Forsythia suspensa, Zhou et al. (2019)