Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao): Powerful Antiviral Herb for Immune Support, Detox, and Cold & Flu Relief in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) forsythia fruit is used to clear heat, remove toxins and rid wind-heat. Forsythia fruit benefits circulation, supports respiratory health, may benefit healthy cholesterol levels, promotes urination and protects liver health. It has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti parasitic effects. In a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research is was found that a mouth rinse containing forsythia was effective for periodontal pathogens. (1)
- Removes toxicity
- Clears heat
- Disperses wind-heat
- Clears heart heat
In nearly every northern climate, Forsythia is one of the first plants to bloom in spring. Its vibrant yellow flowers are unmistakable. For centuries, the fruit of the shrub, a small, nut-like capsule, has been used in Eastern medicine.
Discover the Key Benefits of Lian Qiao:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Lian Qiao has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various health problems.
Immune-boosting properties: Lian Qiao has immune-boosting properties, which can help strengthen the body’s immune system and fight against infections.
Anti-viral properties: Lian Qiao has antiviral properties that provide help against viral infections, including the common cold and flu.
Antioxidant properties: Lian Qiao has antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can cause various health problems.
Skin health benefits: Lian Qiao is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its benefits for the skin, including reducing acne and other skin irritations.
Digestive health benefits: Lian Qiao has been used traditionally to promote digestive health and treat various digestive problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.
Overall, Lian Qiao has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its various health benefits and is still widely used today. However, as with any supplement or herb, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Lian Qiao, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit): Extra Information and Key Uses
Product Properties: bitter, cool, and slightly acrid
Channels/Meridians: Heart, Liver, Gall bladder
Common Name: Forsythia Fruit, Fructus Forsythiae Suspensae
Botanical Name: Forsythia suspensa fruit
Pin Yin Name: Lian Qiao
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Powder - Whole/Cut Unsulfured
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use when diarrhea is present.
Naturally Occurring Components: forsythin, matairesinoside, betulinic acid, phyillygenin, pinoresinol
Need more information? Try our In-depth article on Lian Qiao
Some of the potential benefits of forsythia fruit that have been traditionally claimed by TCM practitioners are:
- Helping to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as coughing, sore throat, and fever.
- Aiding in respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Improving digestion and treating stomach problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
- Relieving skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Forsythia Fruit, which looks like a small pecan, is commonly used in teas and tinctures. Forsythia has a slightly bitter flavor with a fragrant, flowery aroma. Also known as Lian Qian in Chinese, forsythia fruit is revered for its many healing properties. The fruit is used for detoxifying. Used for aid in treating respiratory afflictions and to support gut digestion.
Forsythia fruits are loaded with potent nutrients that boost the body’s overall health such as
- Betulinic Acid - is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid
- Caffeic Acid - is an organic compound that is classified as a hydroxycinnamic acid
- Flavonoids - are a diverse group of phytonutrients, plant chemicals
- Forsythiaside - is a hydroxycinnamic acid. Forsythiaside is a natural product found in Forsythia suspensa
- Glucoside - is a glycoside that is derived from glucose
- Isoforsythiaside - has antioxidant and antibacterial properties
- Lignans - are fiber-associated compounds
- Oleanolic Acid - is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid
- Phenylethanoids - are a type of phenolic compound
- Phillygenin - a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory properties
- Phillyrin - is the main active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicine Forsythia suspensa
- Pinoresinol - is a lignans compounds
- Rengyol - is a natural product found in Forsythia suspensa
- Rutin - is a plant pigment
- Salidroside - has powerful bioactive effects that can aid in regulating oxidative stress and inflammation
- Suspensaside - is a natural product found in Forsythia suspensa
- Ursolic Acid - is a pentacyclic triterpenoid, properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral
- Vitamin P - is a term that was once used for a group of plant compounds called flavonoids
- Volatile Oils - An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid
Forsythia Fruit: Alternative Uses
Forsythia Fruit is one of the oldest ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine and was widely used in aid of respiratory aliments. Forsythia Fruit which includes a small wing-like seed is traditionally prepared in two ways:
- Infusions - Most commonly forsythia is infused in teas and juices. The fruit’s essential oils add a touch of bitter, herbal flavor and they’re traditionally steeped overnight in concoctions. In tea, the fruits are commonly mixed with honeysuckle, lilac, flowers and other herbs as a supportive additive.
- Extracts - The fruits can be processed into an oil that’s widely used in a range of healing products.
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
http://alternativehealing.org/lian_qiao.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782986/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630274/