Fang Jiahua, Physician specializing in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Taishan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Quality Health FieldContent Creator
Honeysuckle refers to the flowers of the plant Lonicera japonica. Initially white, they turn yellow as they bloom, hence the name Honeysuckle. It is a very common traditional Chinese medicinal herb.
With the recent outbreaks of diseases, Honeysuckle has gained increasing attention. So, what are the benefits of regularly drinking Honeysuckle tea in daily life? Let’s explore together.
First, let’s understand the nutritional components of Honeysuckle:
Honeysuckle:Also known as Jin Yin Hua, the name Honeysuckle comes from the Compendium of Materia Medica, as the flowers initially bloom white and later turn yellow.
The medicinal material Honeysuckle is derived from the dried flower buds or early blooming flowers of the Caprifoliaceae family, genus Lonicera.
Honeysuckle contains components such as chlorogenic acid, loganin, luteolin, and inositol, and is rich in volatile oils, primarily consisting of linalool and geraniol.
What are the effects and functions of Honeysuckle?
1. Reduces Blood Lipids
The active components of Honeysuckle can bind with cholesterol, thereby reducing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and lowering its levels in plasma.
Additionally, it helps the body to clear fats and harmful substances from the blood, increasing blood flow in the vessels, thus having a lipid-lowering effect.
2. Clears Heat and Detoxifies
Clearing heat and detoxifying is perhaps the most familiar effect. Drinking Honeysuckle tea can effectively clear heat and detoxify, but this also indicates that it is a cold-natured medicinal herb.
Therefore, caution is advised when consuming it; excessive or long-term use can pose significant health risks!
3. Antioxidant Effects
Honeysuckle contains a large number of flavonoids, which can effectively eliminate free radicals that damage cells. Therefore, it can protect human cells from oxidative damage and promote health.
4. Calming and Sedative Effects
Honeysuckle also has a certain calming and sedative effect, which can help alleviate tension, irritability, insomnia, and other emotional and mental issues.
Honeysuckle and its natural pairing can cleanse the liver and improve sleep after a period of consumption.
1. Honeysuckle + Astragalus
In daily life, we can combine Honeysuckle with Astragalus membranaceus, as Honeysuckle has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying.
When paired together, they can effectively repair damaged organs and maintain normal bodily functions. Thus, they are good partners; consistently drinking this combination can help safeguard health.
2. Honeysuckle + Red Dates
In daily life, we can pair Honeysuckle with Red Dates. Red Dates have the effect of tonifying Qi and nourishing blood, which can help alleviate anemia.
This combination is also a golden pairing that can effectively enhance liver function and promote toxin elimination. It helps nourish the liver and improve vision, promotes the circulation of Qi and blood, protects women’s health, and contributes to beauty and nourishment.
3. Honeysuckle+Licorice
In spring, it is easy to experience heat symptoms. You can use Honeysuckle paired with Licorice to make tea, which can clear heat and quench thirst, as well as reduce fire and dryness. This is especially effective for issues like pharyngitis and oral ulcers.
4. Honeysuckle + Rose
Speaking of roses, many women know that rose can achieve beauty and skin-nourishing effects, and rose tea can also regulate menstruation.
Since Honeysuckle is cold in nature, while rose is warm, these two can balance each other’s properties. Together, they can also help soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and resist feelings of unease.
5. Honeysuckle + Chrysanthemum
Like Honeysuckle, Chrysanthemum primarily serves to clear heat and detoxify. In the dry winter weather, it is easy to experience heat symptoms, so it is advisable to frequently brew some chrysanthemum tea.
When Honeysuckle and Chrysanthemum are brewed together, their combined effects can be maximized, not only helping to moisten the lungs and detoxify but also effectively eliminating liver toxins and improving bad breath.
Especially for those who frequently experience acne, it is often due to the liver being unable to expel toxins. Regularly drinking Honeysuckle and Chrysanthemum tea can effectively treat acne.
6. Honeysuckle + Dandelion
Honeysuckle is also a very common product in daily life. If someone experiences excessive liver fire, dry throat, or swollen throat, they may choose to drink Honeysuckle tea, which is very effective in reducing liver fire.
Combining Dandelion with Honeysuckle can enhance liver health significantly; some even say that Dandelion and Honeysuckle are a natural pair.
If you persist in drinking this combination for a week, you will find that liver fire decreases, toxins are expelled, and the liver becomes cleaner and healthier.
Five Precautions for Drinking Honeysuckle Tea:
1. Do not drink if allergic to Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle tea can clear heat and detoxify, and prevent bad breath, while also addressing wind-heat conditions.
If you are allergic to Honeysuckle, drinking it may lead to allergic reactions such as skin redness and itching.
2. Avoid excessive consumption
Honeysuckle is cold in nature, and excessive consumption can easily lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Some people may consume large amounts of Honeysuckle to enhance its effects, but this is detrimental to health.
3. Avoid consuming on an empty stomach
Honeysuckle tea should not be consumed on an empty stomach, as it is cold in nature and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort.
4. Drink while hot
It is important to note that Honeysuckle tea should not be consumed cold, as this can easily lead to diarrhea.
To properly consume Honeysuckle, brew it with hot water and drink it while warm to maximize its medicinal effects and nutritional value.
5. People with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold should not consume
Honeysuckle is cold in nature, and those with a cold-deficient constitution should avoid it, as it can lead to weakness and illness, increasing the burden on the spleen and stomach.
Additionally, Honeysuckle can be brewed only twice; overnight Honeysuckle tea should not be consumed, as spoiled Honeysuckle tea can affect health.
Further Reading: Why Should Women Drink Less Honeysuckle Tea?
Women should avoid excessive consumption of Honeysuckle tea, as it contains a component called “syringin,” which can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in excess over a long period.
Moreover, Honeysuckle has a sweet taste, and excessive consumption can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Additionally, some women may drink Honeysuckle tea during their menstrual period. However, this is not beneficial for health.
Honeysuckle has the effect of invigorating blood and unblocking meridians, which can easily lead to excessive menstrual flow or menstrual irregularities. Long-term consumption may cause menstrual disorders, posing a threat to women’s health.