Some of the top benefits of honeysuckle essential oil may include its ability to soothe headaches, balance blood sugar levels, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, protect the skin and boost hair strength, as well as its uses as a room cleaner, aromatherapy oil, and cosmetic product ingredient. There are very few side effects of honeysuckle essential oil, but skin irritation, photosensitivity, and low blood sugar could result if the oil is used improperly or without approval from a doctor. For general use, however, most experts considered this natural remedy to be very safe.
Honeysuckle essential oil is derived from the bright orange flowers of the honeysuckle plant and has been used for more than 1,400 years in traditional medical practices of China. It has become a more globally known oil after the rich concentration of active compounds, antioxidants, and volatile acids were discovered and researched. While there are more than 200 different species of honeysuckle, many of them possess similar chemical compositions, but the three most well-known varieties from which to make this oil are the European honeysuckle, Blue honeysuckle, and Japanese honeysuckle. The uses of this oil extend past topical or inhalation applications and include cosmetic and bath products, as well as massage oils and exfoliators. The impressive range of health benefits is caused by the possible rich supply of quercetin, vitamin C, potassium, and other critical nutrients, as well as numerous other antioxidants. [1]
Honeysuckle Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
Using honeysuckle essential oil is particularly recommended for people who wish to treat inflammatory conditions, split ends, hair loss, skin irritation, wrinkles, headaches, diabetes, chronic diseases, pain, anxiety, stress, or depression.
May Have Antioxidant Properties
Known to be packed with antioxidants, this oil has been linked to possibly reducing the occurrence of oxidative stress and lowering free radical levels in the body. This is also why honeysuckle essential is so commonly used on the skin, as it may also minimize the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, while drawing blood to the surface of the skin, promoting the growth of new cells and a rejuvenated look.
May Help Control Diabetes
Honeysuckle may be useful to stop the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Chlorogenic acid, a component known to be antidiabetic is also found in these flowers. An animal study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research concluded that these flowers induced an antidiabetic effect in rats with type 2 diabetes. [2] [3]
Honeysuckle oil has a richly floral fragrant and is practically a perfume by itself. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Might Eliminate Headaches
The potent anti-inflammatory properties of this oil might make it ideal for soothing headaches within minutes. You can use a face steamer or an essential oil diffuser, or topically apply the oil to your temples, for calming and rapid relief from your throbbing headache. [4]
Might Relieve Chronic Pain
Honeysuckle has long been known as an analgesic, dating back to its use in Chinese traditional medicine. Whether the pain is the result of a chronic illness, injury, or surgery, inhaling this essential oil or adding it to your bathwater may help eliminate your pain, both inside and out. [5]
Hair Care
There are certain rejuvenating compounds in honeysuckle essential oil that may help improve dry or brittle hair and split ends. By adding a few drops of this oil to your shampoo, you can give an extra moisturizing boost to your locks and may improve the appearance of your hair from scalp to tip! [6]
Skin Care
Commonly included in cosmetic products, honeysuckle essential oil can soothe inflamed skin, eliminate pigmentation, and exfoliate your pores to reduce symptoms of acne. Furthermore, it might handle symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and other unsightly inflammatory skin conditions. It might be excellent for treating burns, scrapes, and cuts, and protecting them from infection, thanks to its antibacterial properties. [7]
May Boost Mood
As a mood stabilizer and stress reliever, honeysuckle essential oil is a popular tool for aromatherapy experts and patients. The link between aromas and the limbic system is well known, and the sweet, invigorating scent of honeysuckle is known to boost mood and prevent depressive symptoms. [8]
Might Improve Digestion
By attacking bacterial and viral pathogens, the active compounds in honeysuckle essential oil might boost the health of your gut and re-balance your microflora environment. This might lead to fewer symptoms of bloating, cramping, indigestion, and constipation, while also increasing the nutrient uptake in your body. [9]
Oral Care
Many people add a few drops of honeysuckle essential oil to their mouthwash, as the powerful antibacterial properties may help to freshen breath by eliminating pesky bacteria present between the teeth. However, only a few drops are needed, and the mixture should not be swallowed, as this can result in gastrointestinal distress. [10]
Might Help in Releasing Stress
Adding 4-5 drops of honeysuckle essential oil to your bath can fill the room with a pleasant aroma, while possibly easing sore and tense muscles, eliminating any bacteria present on the skin, and providing a relaxing atmosphere to clear your mind and release stress.
Room Cleaner
Diffusing honeysuckle essential oil into a room will not only sweeten the smell of your space but may also neutralize many airborne bacteria or pathogens, helping to keep your surfaces and floors clear of dangerous bacterial growth. Adding a few drops of this oil to your dust rag can also maximize the protective effects of your weekly cleaning! [11]
Massage May Eliminate Toxins
Honeysuckle essential oil is a popular addition to massage oil blends, as it may provide warming, muscle-relaxing, and stimulating elements to the message. Increasing blood flow to the extremities and the surface of the skin, this oil can help speed healing and eliminate toxins locked up in tense muscles.
Honeysuckle Essential Oil Side Effects
There are a few notable side effects of honeysuckle essential oil, including possible skin irritation and allergic reactions, as well as negative side effects for pregnant women, children, and those with certain medical conditions.
- Diabetes – Due to this oil’s ability to regulate and lower blood sugar, which can be very beneficial for people who are at risk of diabetes or have already been diagnosed, it can also cause dangerously low blood sugar. If you are already taking blood sugar-lowering medication, speak to a doctor before using honeysuckle essential oil.
- Pregnancy – This oil is known to be dangerous for pregnant women, as it can cause bleeding and stimulate menstruation. Until the third trimester, this oil should be avoided, and even then, speak to a doctor before adding any potent essential oils to your pregnancy health regimen.
- Skin Irritation – As with many essential oils, when honeysuckle essential oil is applied to the skin, it can cause redness and irritation, even if you aren’t allergic to the honeysuckle plant. Place a small amount of oil on a patch of skin and wait a few hours to see if there is a reaction before applying it to a larger area.
- Photosensitivity – Some of the compounds in this oil will make the skin slightly more sensitive to light, so if you are using it on large parts of your body, moderate your exposure to sunlight and wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
