Evidence supporting the use of: Forsythia
For the health condition: Eyes (red or itching)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa) has been traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine, often in combination formulas, for conditions believed to reflect "wind-heat" in the body, which can include symptoms like red or itching eyes. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), red or irritated eyes are sometimes associated with internal heat or toxins, and forsythia is considered to have "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" properties. Classic herbal texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and modern TCM practice reference Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao) for use in treating fevers, sore throats, and occasional eye irritation as part of broader syndromes.

However, there is minimal direct scientific evidence supporting forsythia’s use specifically for red or itching eyes. Most available research focuses on Forsythia’s general anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, rather than clinical trials for ocular conditions. No robust, high-quality studies have confirmed efficacy for eye symptoms in humans, and published reports are largely limited to laboratory or animal models, or anecdotal clinical use.

In summary, the use of Forsythia for red or itching eyes is based predominantly on traditional practice and theoretical frameworks within TCM, with very limited direct scientific validation specific to eye conditions. As such, its historical use is well-documented, but modern clinical evidence is lacking.

More about forsythia
More about Eyes (red or itching)