Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle)
Also known as: Rén Dōng Huā (忍冬花), Shuāng Huā (双花), Èr Huā (二花), Yín Huā (银花), Lù Cè Huā (鹭鸶花), Jīn Huā (金花), Shuāng Bāo Huā (双苞花), Jīn Téng Huā (金藤花).
Name origin: Named “Rén Dōng Huā” because it does not shed leaves in winter.
Distribution: Grows in hilly areas, forest edges, and by fences; widely cultivated. Found in most regions of the country.
Properties: Cold in nature, sweet in flavor.
A perennial semi-evergreen woody vine. The old stems are brown, while the young branches are green and densely covered with soft hairs. Leaves are opposite and ovate. Flowers grow in pairs in the axils; the corolla is white when first blooming, turning yellow later, covered with soft hairs and glandular hairs. The corolla tube is long and slender, with the upper lip having 4 shallow lobes and the lower lip narrow and not lobed; there are 5 stamens that extend beyond the corolla; the ovary is inferior. The berries are spherical and turn black when ripe. Flowering period is from April to June, and fruiting period is from August to October.
Effects and Functions
Qīng Rè Jiě Dú (清热解毒) and Liáng Sàn Fēng Rè (凉散风热). It belongs to the category of Qīng Rè Yào (清热药) under the classification of Qīng Rè Jiě Dú Yào (清热解毒药).
1. Antibacterial and antiviral: Used in combination with other herbs to treat respiratory infections, hypertension, and over 40 other conditions.
2. Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting: Effective for symptoms such as dizziness, pneumonia, acute mastitis, appendicitis, skin infections, and purulent tonsillitis.
3. Lowers cholesterol and blood lipids.
4. Weight loss: Its unique weight loss function, regular consumption of Jin Yin Hua infusion or decoction is beneficial for treating and recovering from conditions like Fēng Huǒ Mù Hóng (风火目赤), sore throat, obesity, liver heat syndrome, and liver heat type hypertension.
Common Combinations
Jin Yin Hua + Jú Huā (菊花) = Clears heat and relieves summer heat, quenches thirst.
Jin Yin Hua + Bò Hé (薄荷) = Improves bad breath and gingivitis.
Jin Yin Hua + Shān Zhā (山楂) = Promotes digestion.
Jin Yin Hua + Méi Guī Huā (玫瑰花) = Regulates qi and relieves depression.
Jin Yin Hua + Hóng Zǎo (红枣) = Nourishes qi and blood.
Jin Yin Hua + Gǒu Qǐ (枸杞) = Nourishes and reduces wrinkles.
Jin Yin Hua + Fēng Mì (蜂蜜) = Reduces acne scars.
Jin Yin Hua + Jú Huā + Chá Huā (茶花) = Alleviates throat dryness and pain.
Precautions
Jin Yin Hua is cold in nature, and those with weak spleen and stomach should avoid it, as it can weaken the constitution. It is suitable for use during conditions of internal heat, such as colds and coughs, but not recommended for long-term use. This herb is generally more appropriate for use in hot weather.
Do not drink Jin Yin Hua infusion that has been left overnight, as it can spoil and affect health.
Additionally, women during menstruation should use Jin Yin Hua with caution to avoid exacerbating menstrual pain and causing discomfort in the spleen and stomach.