How to Use Honeysuckle


Herbal remedy

Twelve species of honeysuckle, out of about a hun-dred, are used medicinally. The leaves and flower buds are rich in salicylic acid, meaning that they can be used for symptoms that may be relieved by aspirin, such as colds and flu, fevers, headaches, aches and pains, arthritis and rheumatism. The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and contain antibi­otic substances active against staphlococci and colibacilli making honeysuckle a useful remedy for respi­ratory and gastro-intestinal infections. Honeysuckle’s antispasmodic and expectorant effects can remedy spasm and phlegm in the respiratory system, as in asthma, croup, whooping cough and bronchitis.

When used for respiratory problems, honeysuckle is generally given as a syrup of the flowers, but a tea or tincture of the leaves can also be taken. The leaves and flowers have diuretic properties and relieve fluid retention, urinary stones and gout. The leaves have an affinity for the liver and spleen; they benefit the digestion and make a gentle laxative. (The berries are best avoided as they are purgative and cathartic and nauseatinglv bitter.) The plant has a calming effect on the nervous system and is useful where anxiety or tension gives rise to symptoms such as asthma, headaches or stomach cramps. The Russians apparently prepare an oil from the wood which they use for tumours and chronic pain.

Homeopathic remedy: Lonicera

L. periclvmenum (leaves) is used only for irritability, and violent outbursts of temper while L. xvlosteum (berries) is used for profuse vomiting and diarrhoea, spasms and convulsions.

The flower essence

Honeysuckle is a Bach flower Remedy particularly suited to those who live in the past and cling to pleasant memories of events gone by, unable to enter fully into the present. Honeysuckle people tend to glorify the past, only remembering the good things and wish that the good old days could return, or feel unhappy that they can not. They may find it very hard to get over the loss of a loved one, particularly if they are elderly, closing themselves to the possibili­ty of new relationships; they may yearn for their old home after a move, or for younger days when they were happy and successful; honeysuckle children may suffer from homesickness. Honeysuckle people may also get stuck in regretful feelings about the past, about missed opportunities or unhappy occurrences or about growing old. Honeysuckle helps to bring such people into the present and help them to let go of the past, or bring it into perspective so that they can benefit from lessons learned from experience.

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About the Author: Greenery always attracts Arthur Kunkle. He has a big garden where he plants many fruits and vegetables. His passion for gardening motivates him to write and share different tips on gardening.

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