Latin Name: Lonicera japonica
Alternate Names: Gum Nan Fah, Woodbine, Gold And Silver Flower, Jin Yin Hua
Family: CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Parts Used: Flowers.
Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antitumor, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Refrigerant.
Internal Uses: Asthma, Bacterial Infection, Boils, Breast Cancer, Cough, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Fever, Flu, Food Poisoning, Headache, High Cholesterol, Laryngitis, Lymphatic Congestion, Sore Throat, Ulcers
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Compress, Syrups.
Research in China indicates that Honeysuckle may be helpful in the treatment of breast cancer. Studies show that it helps normalize blood sugar levels. Honeysuckle has a cooling effect upon inflammation, heat and infection.
Topical Uses: Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Rash, Sore Throat, Sunburn, Swellings, Ulcers
Topical Applications: Compress for poison oak or ivy, skin rashes, sunburn and swellings. Gargle for sore throat and ulcerations.
Culinary uses: Buds can be added to stir fry dishes. It is commonly used in cooling summer beverages.
Energetics: Sweet, Bitter, Cold.
Chemical Constituents: Tannins, glycoside, flavonoids, mucilage, sugars.
Contraindications: Avoid in cases of excess phlegm or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. Don’t use in cases of watery diarrhea, due to internal coldness. Avoid using Honeysuckle berries, which are toxic. The caprifolium and pericylmenum varieties are only used externally.
Comments: The genus name, Lonicera, refers to Lonicer, a sixteenth century German physician. The common name Honeysuckle is from the practice of children sucking the nectar from the blossoms. Honeysuckle is a Bach Flower Remedy used to treat homesickness and nostalgia.
The common name Honeysuckle also refers to the species Lonicera caprifolium and Loniceria periclymenum, which are used interchangeably with Lonicera japonica. However, please note different species’ uses under Contraindications.