Botanical Overview
Lonicera japonica (flos), commonly known as Japanese Honeysuckle flower, belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family. The medicinal part primarily used is the dried flower. It is native to East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. The plant is well-regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbal medicine.
Energetics
Lonicera japonica flowers are considered cooling and moistening in nature. The taste is predominantly sweet and bitter. Energetically, it acts with an ascending and outward directionality, possessing relaxing tonicity and influences the movement of qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Detoxifying
- Febrifuge
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Tonsillitis
- Respiratory infections
- Skin infections
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Acute febrile infections
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Toxic heat syndromes
TCM
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Rashes
- Carbuncles
- Skin ulcers
Syndromes
- Wind-heat invasion
- Heat-toxin accumulation
- Early stage febrile diseases
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional use available.
Unani
No well-documented traditional use available.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The plant contains chlorogenic acid, loniceroside, loganin, various flavonoids, iridoids, essential oils, and organic acids, which contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 9-15 g dried flower 2-3 times daily
- Infusion: 10 g dried flower steeped for 15-30 minutes
- Powder: standardized extracts in capsules or tablets as per manufacturer’s instructions
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when used properly. Possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals have been reported. Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Avoid in persons with hypersensitivity to Lonicera species. No significant drug interactions are reported, but consultation with a healthcare provider is advised when combined with other antimicrobial agents.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources were found to assign planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Lonicera japonica (Phytotherapy Research, 2013)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Lonicera japonica Thunb. (WHO, 2007)
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd Edition (Bensky et al., 2004)