June 11, 2002

HONEYSUCKLE

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.

-- Phil in KS (mac0328@planetkc.com), June 11, 2002

Answers

Here's a picture:

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 11, 2002.

How timely, my neice and I were enjoying their drops of honey just an hour ago.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), June 11, 2002.

Doesn't honeysuckle have the most wonderful fragrance?!? It's definitely one of my favorites!

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), June 11, 2002.