What are the ingredients of Lianhua Qingwen?

Lianhua Qingwen is primarily composed of Forsythia (Forsythia suspensa), Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), processed Ephedra (Ephedra sinica), stir-fried Bitter Apricot Seed (Prunus armeniaca), Gypsum (Gypsum fibrosum), Isatis Root (Isatis indigotica), Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Houttuynia cordata, Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), Rhodiola rosea, Menthol, and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), among others. This medication should be used under professional guidance. If allergic reactions occur or symptoms do not improve after taking the medicine, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Forsythia and Honeysuckle serve as the principal (sovereign) herbs. Both are bitter and cold in nature, functioning to clear heat and toxic material and disperse wind-heat, thereby addressing the core pathological mechanism of epidemic diseases involving heat-toxin attacking the lungs. Processed Ephedra promotes lung dispersion and alleviates wheezing, while stir-fried Bitter Apricot Seed descends lung qi and stops coughing; together, they regulate lung function through an ascending-descending action. Gypsum clears excessive lung heat, and when combined with Ephedra, enhances the effect of clearing heat and relieving asthma. These three act as deputy (minister) herbs.

Isatis Root, Dryopteris crassirhizoma, and Houttuynia cordata clear heat and detoxify, cool the blood, and benefit the throat, assisting the sovereign herbs in eliminating heat-toxin. Patchouli resolves dampness and harmonizes the stomach, alleviating discomfort caused by dampness impairing the spleen. Rhubarb purges the bowels to eliminate internal heat, allowing heat-toxin to exit through the lower passage. Rhodiola strengthens qi and nourishes yin, enhancing the body's resistance. Menthol disperses wind-heat and clears the head and senses—all serving as assistant (adjuvant) herbs. Licorice harmonizes all the ingredients and acts as the messenger herb.

During treatment, patients should maintain adequate hydration and consume light, easily digestible foods, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. Adequate rest is essential; overexertion should be avoided, and indoor ventilation should be maintained. The medicine should not be taken concurrently with tonic Chinese herbal formulas. It must be taken strictly according to the prescribed dosage, and patients should not adjust the dose on their own.