We’re all familiar with that sweet fragrance in spring and summer, and that drop of nectar from the honeysuckle flower. Perhaps we’ve even had the fortune to taste honeysuckle jelly. But did you know that honeysuckle benefits are more than sweet fragrance and nectar?

The common honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), is a plant that is native to East Asia but has been introduced to many other parts of the world. It is a well-known plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Modern research confirms many traditional uses of the honeysuckle plant. The L. japonica has a super complex chemical composition with more than 140 compounds (!!!) identified with possible anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative and hepatoprotective activities.^[1]https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/lonicera-japonica-flower-extract^[2]http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lonicera-japonica=japanese-honeysuckle.php

So we dug into the research on this pervasive vine and were delighted in the discovery of many scientifically proven medicinal benefits of honeysuckle.

Types of Honeysuckle With Medicinal Benefits

There are over 180 species of honeysuckle, but the two most common types used for medicinal purposes are Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and European honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum).

European honeysuckle (L. periclymenum), has similar medicinal properties to Japanese honeysuckle (L. japonica). Both varieties are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as the ability to support the immune, respiratory and digestive ecosystems.

It’s worth noting that not all species of honeysuckle have the same medicinal benefits. While the various species may share similar properties, some may be stronger in different areas. So It’s important to research the specific species of honeysuckle you are interested in using to understand its properties and potential health benefits.

In general, Japanese and European honeysuckle have many similar medicinal properties and are the most commonly used types of honeysuckle for medicinal purposes, in the west. However, if you are interested in using honeysuckle for a specific condition, you may wish to also research the specific species of honeysuckle that may be most effective for that condition.

One of the more common medicinal honeysuckle species in the east used in Asian countries for millennia is Lonicera japonica Thunb. var. sempervillosa Hayata.^[3]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32288271/

Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle Leaves are Heterophyllous

Heterophyllous leaves means more than one leaf shape on the same plant, and it can be at the same time, different times or both.

11 Proven Medicinal Benefits of Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

1. Allergies: Lab studies show that honeysuckle extract relieve allergy symptoms by decreasing allergic rhinitis inflammation and autoimmunity.^[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6663992/
2. Analgesic: Effective in pain reduction.^[5]https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article/74/10/2022/5949628
3. Antibacterial: Extracts, fractions, and compounds from L. japonica leaves possessed considerable antibacterial activities against tested bacterial strains.^[6]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265495/
4. Anti-inflammatory: Honeysuckle contains several compounds, including chlorogenic acid and rutin, that have anti-inflammatory properties. ^[7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127524/^[8]https://academic.oup.com/bbb/article/74/10/2022/5949628
5. Anti-microbial: ^[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381474/
6. Antioxidant: Honeysuckle is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals and contribute to anti-aging.^[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127524/
7. Antiviral: ^[11]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990830/
8. Digestive health: Honeysuckle has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues such as indigestion and diarrhea. It contains several compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and may be beneficial for these conditions. This applies to humans and animals.^[12]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381474/
9. Osteoarthritis: Honeysuckle contains properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and may be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and allergies.^[13]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792201/
10. Respiratory health: Honeysuckle has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as coughs, congestion and asthma. It contains several compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and may be beneficial for these conditions.^[14]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4765429/
11. Wound Repair: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Lonicera japonica act synergistically to accelerate wound repair.^[15]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3577469/

The flowers, leaves, and vines of the honeysuckle plant can all be used for medicinal purposes.

REFERENCE: Scientific study on Lonicera use in traditional Chinese medicine^[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127058/

Beneficial Forms for Honeysuckle Preparations

• compress
• decoction
• douche
• honey
• infusion
• poultice
• syrup
• tincture

Overall, honeysuckle is a versatile and useful plant that can be used in a variety of ways.

Honeysuckle uses include all aerial parts of the plant.

Beneficial Compounds in Honeysuckle Flowers, Leaves & Stems

Interestingly, a Serbian research team discovered that honeysuckle compounds can vary from environmental factors. Further, that the fresh or dried herb, can have a strong influence on the chemical composition on the plant. Some part of the plants in some environments will be more or less than those in others. ^[17]https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1934578X1200700525

Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, (AKA jinyinhua) is one of the 70 most valuable herbs declared by the State Council of China.

REFERENCE: 2019 review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology^[18]https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-019-09655-7

Honeysuckle Uses Include Health, Beauty, & Crafts!

What parts of the honeysuckle are used? All of it, but mainly the flowers and leaves, in that order of prominence.

The floral buds, opened flowers, stems, and leaves of honeysuckle have all been proven to exhibit significant medicinal properties.^[20]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23265495/

Honeysuckle Flowers Uses

We enjoy honeysuckle blossoms and leaves in teas, and a friend of ours makes delicious honeysuckle jelly. Here are some more examples:

Market Gardeners and Homesteaders

If you’re earning income as a market gardener, through farmers’ markets, festival booths, Etsy or other venue, this pervasive plant may be your opportunity to earn extra income! Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle flowers are currently selling on Amazon for an average $5/ounce. So wild harvesting of honeysuckle leaves and blossoms would be free and may help you, help others, and improve the environment by helping to reduce the proliferation of this plant!🤔

Honeysuckle flowers can be used in a variety of ways and add culinary delight, decorative and medicinal benefits.

1. Culinary: Honeysuckle flowers have a sweet, honey-like flavor and are used in a variety of culinary applications. They can be used to make syrups, jams, and jellies, as well as in teas, cocktails, and desserts.
2. Medicinal: Honeysuckle flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Honeysuckle flowers are often used in teas, tinctures, and other herbal remedies to treat respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and other health concerns.
3. Decorative: Honeysuckle flowers are also popular for their decorative uses. such as in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other decorative displays. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrance of honeysuckle flowers make them a popular choice for weddings, parties, essential oils, and other special events.

What Are the Honeysuckle Leaves Uses?

Honeysuckle leaves can also be used dried for teas, and fresh in tinctures, and as a poultice for wound healing.

Honeysuckle leaves are also used for a variety of purposes, including culinary, medicinal, and ornamental. Here are some of the most common uses of honeysuckle leaves:

1. Culinary: Honeysuckle leaves can be used in a similar way to the flowers, although they have a slightly bitter taste. They can be used to make teas, flavor soups, and season vegetables.
2. Medicinal: Honeysuckle leaves contain several compounds, including luteolin and chlorogenic acid, that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. They are often used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and other health concerns, as well as for tinctures, compresses or bandages.
3. Ornamental: Honeysuckle leaves are also used for their ornamental value. They have a dark green color and a slightly glossy texture, which makes them a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental planting.

NOTE: Choose the non-invasive cultivated varieties, such as the red trumpet honeysuckle which is great for hummingbird food for attracting those exquisite feathered creatures.

Overall, honeysuckle leaves are a useful plant material that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you are interested in cooking, health, or aesthetics, honeysuckle leaves have something to offer. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using honeysuckle leaves for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

Honeysuckle Vines Uses – (AKA Honeysuckle Stems)

What Are the Honeysuckle Stems Uses?

Honeysuckle stems, also known as vines, are also used for a variety of purposes, including medicinal and ornamental. Here are some of the most common uses of honeysuckle stems:

1. Crafting: for basket making using of all kinds. (See the helpful video below for how to, from harvesting to treatment and crafting).
2. Culinary: In some cultures, honeysuckle stems are used to make a type of candy or sweet syrup. The stems are boiled and then soaked in sugar to create a sweet, tangy flavor.
3. Medicinal: Honeysuckle stems contain several compounds, including saponins and flavonoids, that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are often used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and other health concerns. The vines are typically boiled to extract the beneficial compounds, and should be used under the guidance of your relevant health professional.
4. Ornamental: Honeysuckle vines are also used for their ornamental value. They have a twisting, winding shape and can be trained to grow up walls, trellises, and other structures. The vines produce clusters of fragrant flowers, which makes them a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental planting.

Overall, honeysuckle stems are a versatile plant material that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you are interested in health, aesthetics, or culinary applications, honeysuckle stems have something to offer. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before using honeysuckle stems for medicinal purposes, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

Honeysuckle Vines for Basket Weaving

For crafty folks, honeysuckle vines can be used for basket weaving.

On our walks in the woods and along wooded country roads and pathways, honeysuckle is everywhere. So all the more reason to delight in the many wonderful and beneficial uses for common honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica.

If you enjoy wildcrafting, you’ll enjoy this video on some of the many things you can make with honeysuckle vines, and how to get started with it.

This video shows you how to harvest and prep your honeysuckle vines, but she doesn’t get into the actual construction. If you’re new to basket weaving, you can see the video at the end, just a little below here that teaches you how to quickly make a basket using blackberry vines, (and how to de-thorn them)!

Conclusion

Overall, honeysuckle is a versatile and beneficial plant that can be used to support a variety of aspects of health, wellness and more!^[21]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127058/

Lonicera japonica has been used for thousands of years in China, with more than 140 chemical compounds identified.

REFERENCE: J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct 31 study on Lonicera japonica Thunb.: Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Figure 2^[22]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127058/

CAUTION: Just remember, when it comes to medicinal uses of honeysuckle, as with any herbal medicine, it’s important to consult with your wellness professionals, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

How to Harvest and Make a Natural Woven Vine Basket

This guy, Paco Warabi, does a great job of getting straight to how to quickly harvest and make a vine basket. (He does it while in his walk in the woods)! Paco finds wild blackberry vines and shows how to quickly and easily remove the thorns, but if you’re using honeysuckle vines it will be even easier!