Forsythia 18 by Seven Forests is indicated for skin eruptions, acne, and other upper body infections. From the traditional viewpoint, the formula dispels wind and cleans toxins. In the modern interpretation, several of the herbs in this formula have direct antibacterial activity (eg coptis, phellodendron, forsythia, lonicera), while some of the ingredients alleviate common symptoms, such as congestion and pain (eg chrysanthemum, schizonepeta, cnidium).
In general, anti-infection formulas have a cold nature, but Forsythia 18 also has the warming herbs platycodon, schizonepeta, cnidium, siler, tang kuei, and myrrh that help resolve local congestion of qi, moisture, and blood.
Digestive problems do not arise with use of this formula (even when used regularly) because there are no high doses of the herbs that might weaken the stomach/spleen.