Forsythia suspensa
Forsythia
Oleaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Forsythia
- Scientific name
- Forsythia suspensa
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Region
- East Asia
- Plant part
- Fruit (dried, unripe or ripe)
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Insufficient
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
An arching deciduous shrub with simple oval leaves and abundant bright yellow four-petalled bell-shaped flowers, followed by capsule fruits. The dried fruit (Lian Qiao) is the medicinal part in TCM.
Also known as: Lian Qiao, Golden Bell, Weeping Forsythia
Historical Background
A core TCM herb for 'clearing heat and detoxifying', forsythia fruit is best known as half of the classic cold-onset pairing Forsythia + Honeysuckle (Yin Qiao).
Earliest recorded uses: Early-stage febrile colds, sore throat, and skin eruptions in TCM.
Cultural significance: One of the most familiar spring blossoms and a staple of TCM external-heat formulas.
Classical TCM
Recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing as a heat-clearing herb.
Modern
Featured in the widely used Yin Qiao San formula.
Traditional preparations:
- Decoction
- Herbal formula ingredient
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fruit decoction to clear heat, detoxify, and ease sore throat at the onset of colds.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Faint, clean and floral-green
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Lignans (phillyrin, forsythiaside) and phenylethanoids are studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity; clinical evidence for cold outcomes is limited.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
References & Sources
- WHO · WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (various)
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 15, 2026