Honeysuckles are arching shrubs or twining vines in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are about 180 species of honeysuckle, 100 of which occur in China while about 20 native species occur in Europe, India and, North America each.
Most species of Lonicera are hardy twining climbers, with a large minority of shrubby habit; a handful of species are tender and can only be grown outside in subtropical zones. The leaves are opposite, simple oval, 1–10 cm long; most are deciduous but some are evergreen. Many of the species have sweetly-scented, bilaterally symmetrical flowers that produce sweet, edible nectar and most flowers are borne in clusters of two (leading to the common name of”twinberry” for certain North American species). Both shrubby and veining sorts have strongly fibrous stems which have been used for binding and textiles. The fruit is a red, blue or black spherical or elongated berry containing several seeds; in most species the berries are mildly poisonous, but in a few they are edible and grown for home use and commerce.
Honeysuckle is a plant that is sometimes called “woodbine.” The flower, seed, and leaves are used for medicine. Be careful not to confuse honeysuckle with other plants that are also known as woodbine, such as American ivy, gelsemium and Clematis Virginian.
Honeysuckle is used for digestive disorders including pain and swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine (enteritis) and dysentery; upper respiratory tract infections including colds, influenza, swine flu and pneumonia; other viral and bacterial infections; swelling of the brain (encephalitis); fever; boils; and sores. Honeysuckle is also used for urinary disorders, headache, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Some people use it to promote sweating, as laxative, to counteract poisoning and for birth control.
Although Japanese honeysuckle is called thus, it's a species sold by American nurseries and its spread into other countries is also common: it has become naturalized in South America, a number of Caribbean islands as well as New Zealand and some Pacific islands. Oddly enough for something so fragrant, its rapid spread earned it the badge of "unwanted weed" in several US states as well as on the New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord. Coral honeysuckle, on the other hand, is favored as an attractant for hummingbirds.
Benefit & Uses: Swelling (inflammation) of small air passages in the lung. Early research suggests a combination of honeysuckle, Baikal skullcap, and forsythia given by IV (intravenously) by a healthcare provider might shorten the length of symptoms of bronchiolitis in children with respiratory syncytial virusinfection.
Honeysuckles absolute oil has uses Digestive disorders, Cancerous tumors, Constipation, Skin inflammation, Itching, Colds, Fever, Swelling, Boils, Sores, Bacterial or viral infections and other conditions.
It is not known if honeysuckle, in general, is safe. However, an intravenous preparation that includes honeysuckle and two other herbs has been used safely in children for up to 7 days. Skin contact with honeysuckle can cause rash in allergic people.
Honeysuckle oil is uncut, alcohol free, long lasting, high grade essence oil - excellent for aromatherapy uses - to scent candles; freshen potpourri; in soap making; massage oils; bath oil and of course as a perfume body oil to smell magnificent.
It is generally used in Aromatherapy to relieve toxicity and also in the perfumery industry; it produces a true flower scent and also has medicinal properties that make it useful for skin care, perfume and aromatherapy purposes. Honeysuckle nourishes the female organs, brings in the divine female through the moon chakras, and heals.
Sore throats, coughs, colds, uterine displacement, depression, spiritual growth, inspires hope & self-renewal, uplifting, euphoric, aphrodisiac, calming, soothing to the mind, release poisons / toxicity, clears heat, infection, asthma, child birth.