People have been using honeysuckle and enjoying its various health benefits for centuries, but it is important to understand what it can do, and what possible side effects there could be.
What is Honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is a general term for the members of the Caprifoliaceae family, most of which are shrubs or climbing vines. Native to the Northern hemisphere, there are more than 175 different species of plants that are commonly referred to as honeysuckles, but some of the most well known include Lonicera japonica and Lonicera periclymenum, as these are often used for medicinal purposes. The flowers and leaves of this plant are considered useful in traditional Chinese medicine, and they are commonly made into tinctures, infusions, and teas. [1]
Plant the pretty honeysuckle in your backyard. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
As mentioned, there are many members of this taxonomic family, but the general appearance of these plants is somewhat similar, with long, tubular flowers of white, yellow, orange, or pink, and a broad base of leaves up to 10 centimeters long. Honeysuckle does bear berries, which are small, red, and clustered in small bunches, in most species. However, except for a few species of honeysuckle, the berries and the seeds they contain are toxic, and should thus be avoided. These plants typically need good amounts of sunlight and don’t do well if shaded by other plants. Nutritionally speaking, if you do find the non-toxic species of berries, they are a rich source of phytochemicals, organic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, as well as other antioxidant substances. These compounds are also found in the flowers, and somewhat in the leaves, but in lower concentrations. [2] [3]
Honeysuckle Benefits
There are quite a few benefits to using honeysuckle for natural healing, including its ability to manage blood sugar levels, treat symptoms of nausea, and reduce inflammation throughout the body, among others.
- Soothe inflammation in the body, thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Optimize the digestive system and treat symptoms of nausea, indigestion, constipation, enteritis, and bloating.
- Treat pneumonia, swine flu, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis).
- Help to reduce your risk of cancer thanks to the extensive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile found in these flowers and berries. [4] [5] [6]
- Clear up skin inflammation and conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea. [7]
- Improve the body’s immune response to reduce infection and vulnerability to disease.
- Quickly remedy cold and flu symptoms when consumed as a tea.
- Manage blood sugar levels to lower your risk of developing diabetes. [8]
- Apply a tincture of infusion to boils to reduce their size and treat the pain.
- Honeysuckle tea can eliminate inflammation in the respiratory tracts associated with bronchitis and sore throat.
- In aromatherapy, honeysuckle can help in relaxation and sinus pressure relief, among others.
- If you are experiencing swelling of the brain, a honeysuckle infusion can lower the pressure and normalize blood pressure. [9]
- Pneumonia can be a deadly infection of the lungs, but honeysuckle has been linked to improving respiratory health, even during serious infections.
Honeysuckle Side Effects
There are some side effects that one should be aware of before using honeysuckle in any form, including its impact on the following:
- Bleeding disorders: The active ingredients can help to thin the blood, so if you have bleeding disorders or are planning on undergoing surgery, avoid the use of this herbal substance.
- Toxicity of the berries: The berries of most species are toxic and can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects, among other risks.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Since there are so many active compounds in this herbal substance, pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid use. [10]
Most importantly, before adding any herbal remedy to your daily or weekly health regimen, speak to your doctor.
