Weeping Forsythia

Weeping Forsythia (lian qiao, 连翘), also known as Forsythia Suspensa, Fructus Forsythia, or the ‘golden bell’ because of the shape and colour of its flowers, is a plant that belongs to the family Oleaceae. In China ,the plant is found in provinces such as Shanxi and Yunnan. 

The main medicinal part of this plant is the fruit, Weeping Forsythia, which can be divided into two types based on the season that it is harvested. Green Forsythia Fruit (qing jiao, 绿翘) is collected when the fruit is still barely ripe, while Yellow Forsythia Fruit (huang jiao, 黄翘) is harvested when the fruits are fully ripe. Medicinally, the former is preferred as it is more effective in clearing Heat and dissolving lumps. The fruit is then steamed, dried under the Sun, and seeds are removed from it before the fruit is used in herbal remedies.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Weeping Forsythia falls under the category of ‘Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity’. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as Internal Heat in TCM. Cool in nature, Weeping Forsythia can help individuals with too much Heat in their body, such as those experiencing a Yang Excess or a Yin Deficiency, to restore a harmonious yin-yang balance.

Bitter in taste, Weeping Forsythia Capsule can cleanse the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. In particular, Weeping Forsythia targets the Heart, the Lungs and the small intestine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows that Weeping Forsythia has the following health benefits.

Weeping Forsythia can expel Heat and toxicity from the blood, and to disperse external Wind-Heat from the body. The herb is thus often indicated for many syndromes of warm diseases, and is often combined with Japanese Honeysuckle Flower for mutual reinforcement. While the Heat-dispersing effects of Weeping Forsythia is slightly milder than that of Japanese Honeysuckle Flower, the former is very powerful in its efficiency in clearing Heart-Fire. The herb is thus often used to treat Heat invasion of pericardium manifested as high fever, chills, restlessness and coma.

With its actions in clearing Heat and removing toxicity, Weeping Forsythia can also cure sores, relieve swelling and alleviate sore throats, carbuncles, boils, abscesses, stress rash, erysipelas, pustules under the skin, chicken pox and measles. This herb is even honoured as the holy medicine for patients with frequent ulcers and people who are particularly susceptible to skin infections. Weeping Forsythia can treat scrofula and subcutaneous nodules caused by Phlegm-Fire accumulation too. In addition, Weeping Forsythia can clear Fire from the small intestines, treat heat stranguria, scanty dark urine with pain too.

Weeping Forsythia can promote urination too, which makes it a great herb to treat urinary tract infection, dysuria, hematuria, and acute nephritis. Weeping Forsythia is also one of the most cost-effective treatments for a number of skin problems, such as chafing, redness of the skin, skin inflammation and acne.

Other than the above Forsythia Suspensa benefits, modern research has shown that Weeping Forsythia Capsule has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to strengthen the immune system, fight signs of aging and reduce oxidative stress. Another study suggested that Weeping Forsythia could be effective against H1N1. In addition, it has an inhibitory effect on the secretion of sebaceous glands, which can improve oily skin and reduce the risk of acne attacks.  

High in Oleanolic Acid, Weeping Forsythia is also believed to be able to strengthen heart muscles and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

The recommended daily dosage of Weeping Forsythia is 6 – 15g, when in powder form or added to boiling water to make a decoction. Some healthcare practitioners recommend a slightly lower daily dose of up to 10g only. 

Whole, dried Forsythia Suspensa Fruit can be found in many Asian markets. Powdered and Weeping Forsythia may also be available in herbal shops and specialty stores. The fruit can be consumed in various ways, such as Forsythia tea, Forsythia Suspensa extract, Forsythia essential oil, Forsythia essence and Forsythia juice. It is suggested that preparing a tea made with Weeping Forsythia may relieve symptoms of sore throat, diarrhoea and flu.

Weeping Forsythia should not be used by individuals experiencing symptoms caused by excess Cold in the Spleen or stomach. Also, individuals who have open sores, ulcerated carbuncles, yin ulcers or sores caused by Yin Deficiency should avoid using this herb. Weeping Forsythia should not be used by patients who have Heat in the blood due to Yin Deficiency or diarrhoea caused by Spleen weakness. In addition, pregnant ladies and breastfeeding ladies should avoid consuming Weeping Forsythia for the time being.

Scientific evidence has demonstrated that Weeping Forsythia may slow down blood clotting. This means that it carries a risk of excess bleeding, and patients who will be undergoing surgery in two weeks should not consume this herb at all.

Do consult your healthcare provider before deciding to add Weeping Forsythia into your healthcare routine!

Here is a summary for Weeping Forsythia:

• Herb name (Chinese): 连翘
• Herb name (Pin Yin): lián qiào
• Herb name (English): Weeping Forsythia
• Herb name (Botanical): Fructus Forsythiae
• Origin of species: Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl
• Part(s) of herb used: Fruit
• Geo-specific habitat(s): Many regions in northern or northeastern China and including Yunnan, along Yangtze river basin
• Taste(s) & Properties: Bitter; Slightly cold; Administrates the Lung, Heart and Small Intestine Meridians
• Actions: Eases inflammatory conditions; Relieves conditions associated with influenza and common colds; Soothes pains experienced during urination

Bailly, C. (2022). Forsythosides as essential components of Forsythia-based traditional Chinese medicines used to treat inflammatory diseases and COVID-19. World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 8(1), 1.[Accessed on 21st November 2022]

Liang, C., Hui, N., Liu, Y., Qiao, G., Li, J., Tian, L., … & Ren, X. (2021). Insights into forsythia honeysuckle (Lianhuaqingwen) capsules: A Chinese herbal medicine repurposed for COVID-19 pandemic. Phytomedicine Plus, 1(2), 100027.[Accessed on 21st November 2022]

Wang, Z., Xia, Q., Liu, X., Liu, W., Huang, W., Mei, X., … & Ma, Z. (2018). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and future research of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 210, 318-339. [Accessed on 21st November 2022]