The dried fruits are traditionally gently boiled in water, often in combination with other plants from the Chinese pharmacopoeia, according to dosage established by a practitioner. This compound preparation is not intended for isolated or improvised use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The fruits can be ground into fine powder after complete drying, to be incorporated into traditional compound preparations. Establishing an appropriate dosage requires the advice of a professional trained in this pharmacopoeia. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Dried fruits of Forsythia suspensa are primarily found at herbalists specializing in Chinese pharmacopoeia or in traditional Asian medicine stores; the shrub itself is also widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The fruits are traditionally harvested in autumn, once they have reached maturity but before fully opening, then dried in the sun or air.