Honeysuckle, known as the “first flower of summer,” is highly regarded.
In hot weather, it can clear heat and relieve summer heat.
In cold weather, it can help alleviate many minor ailments.
It is also essential for treating colds and inflammation.
Today, let’s explore the miraculous health benefits of honeysuckle.
Though humble in origin, honeysuckle is exceptionally powerful.
Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), the flower bud of the vine plant Lonicera japonica, is not considered a precious medicinal herb, yet it possesses remarkable medicinal value:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Honeysuckle benefits the lungs, heart, and stomach, capable of clearing heat and detoxifying, and dispersing wind-heat. It is best harvested and consumed at the beginning of summer.
In modern medicine:
Honeysuckle has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Its antibacterial effects are strong, making it a powerful “natural antibiotic.”
Although the entire plant can be used medicinally, the flower buds are the most effective.
However, when purchasing honeysuckle, doctors often remind us of a few things.
When paired correctly, its effects can be enhanced.
Now, let me share these clever combinations with you.
| Honeysuckle for Treating Illness | Prescription | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | For assisting in the treatment of fever, headache, and sore throat caused by colds | 60g of honeysuckle, 20g of hawthorn, decocted with appropriate water and consumed as tea. |
| 2 | For assisting in the treatment of mumps | 25g each of honeysuckle and dandelion, 15g of licorice, decocted with appropriate water, filtered, and taken once daily. |
| 3 | For assisting in the treatment of pharyngitis | 15g of honeysuckle and 3g of raw licorice, decocted and used as a gargle. |
| 4 | For assisting in the treatment of headaches, thirst, and irritability caused by summer heat |
10g each of honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and hawthorn, 100g of honey, boiled with appropriate water for 30 minutes, filtered, and consumed. |
| 5 | For assisting in the treatment of dysentery | 15g of honeysuckle, ground into powder, taken with water. |
This is charcoal-roasted honeysuckle, available at most pharmacies~↑
If everyone is in good health, that’s even better.
However, do not overlook the miraculous honeysuckle.
Prevention is key for all ailments.
Whether it’s clearing heat or preventing illness,
the method is simple,
just brew it with boiling water to make “Honeysuckle Tea”.
If you find the taste a bit monotonous, you can transform it into a “versatile health tea”~↓
| Formula | Function | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add 3g of licorice to make “Honeysuckle Summer Tea” | Regular consumption in summer can prevent heatstroke and quench thirst. |
| 2 | Add 9g of monk fruit or 15g of ophiopogon to make “Honeysuckle Lung Tea” | Can clear the throat and nourish the lungs. |
| 3. | Add 3 pieces of fat sea to make “Honeysuckle Throat Tea” | Suitable for those with chronic pharyngitis. |
| 4 | Add 15g of chrysanthemum to make “Honeysuckle Heat-Clearing Tea” |
Can prevent and treat sore throat from heat, red eyes, and dizziness, and also calm the liver and brighten the eyes. |
| 5 | Add 6g of mint to make “Honeysuckle Cooling Tea” | Can clear heat and relieve summer heat, dispersing wind-heat. |
Honeysuckle + Chrysanthemum + Mint~↑
For those who enjoy “Honeysuckle Dew,” many pharmacies sell ready-made products, but it’s not difficult to make it at home:
Preparation Method:
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Take 50g of honeysuckle, add 1000~1500ml of water, and soak for 30 minutes. Put the water and honeysuckle into a pot, boil vigorously, then simmer for 20~30 minutes, filter out the liquid, and add rock sugar. You can continue to add water and simmer for 2~3 times, finally combine the liquid from all batches and let it cool.
Function: This homemade “Honeysuckle Dew” is sweet, thirst-quenching, and summer-cooling, making it a great health drink for summer.
While honeysuckle is beneficial, please remember these precautions:
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1. Honeysuckle can be brewed 2-3 times; it should not be consumed overnight.
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2. People with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency, women during menstruation, pregnant women, and young children should avoid it.
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3. Common TCM formulas like “Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan,” “Yin Qiao San,” and “Zhi Zi Jin Hua Wan” all use honeysuckle as the main ingredient; if you are already taking these medications, do not consume honeysuckle preparations again.
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4. Honeysuckle is not suitable for long-term use; making tea or medicinal dishes is only appropriate in late spring and summer for health maintenance; it should be paused when the weather turns cold.
Final Thoughts from the Author
Be sure to keep honeysuckle on hand,
and don’t forget to share with those around you.
For those who learned to use it for health today,
remember to give a thumbs up!
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