Now, the springtime, despite its beauty, can also create some trouble for people, especially those that suffer from seasonal allergies. But like is so often the case, nature is wise and the remedies for such problems are everywhere if one is in the know. One such remedy is forsythia itself.
In Chinese Medicine, forsythia fruit is called Lian Qiao. Its properties are that of being bitter, cool and slightly acrid, and it treats a number of symptoms often seen with febrile/heat conditions. Like honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), it also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Lian Qiao’s functions are that it:
– [ ] Clears heat and toxins, reduces swelling and dissipate nodules. It can be useful in treating “hot” sores, furuncles, carbuncles, and neck lumps, scrofula, and abscess.
– [ ] Expels externally contracted “wind-heat”, which is often indicated by seasonal allergies with red irritated eyes, cough, sore throat, etc. and even with significant fever and headache.
– [ ] Can also be used to help clear what we call “residual heat” in the diaphragm and chest. This often manifests as restlessness and irritability with accompanied by a sensation of heat.
– [ ] Can also address heat that goes deeper, resulting in delirium and changes in consciousness.
– [ ] Can also help clear heat in the blood that may manifest as rashes or skin conditions.
In Chinese medicine, mostly we create tailor-made herbal formula prescriptions which take into account the totality of a patient’s history, current symptoms, and all diagnostics which reveal info about one’s underlying state of health, organs, tissues, etc. But, if you can find some forsythia and make into a tea, you can enjoy some of the benefits ascribed to it above.
Over the next few articles, we will also highlight some other common herbs found in the springtime, such as magnolia flower, honeysuckle, etc.
