Forsythia fruit is used orally in formulas to treat febrile illness, skin infections, hepatitis, lymphadenitis and thrombocytopenic purpura. It has been shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic and hepatoprotective actions.
TCM: Listed under “Herbs that clear Heat”, in “Herbs that clear Heat and resolve Toxicity”, bitter, slightly acrid and cool Forsythia suspensa (lian qiao) enters the Heart, Lung and Gall Bladder channels. It clears Heat from both the interior (especially from the upper Burner) and the exterior, clears Heat and toxicity to relieve swelling and eliminate nodulation, it reduces abscesses, dissipates clumps and reduces swellings, facilitates urination.
General: Hepatoprotective, it has a broad spectrum antibacterial action, relaxes the vessels and increases cardiac output, improves microcirculation and relieves vomiting.