Due to its numerous alleged health benefits, honeysuckle extract has gained popularity in recent years. Honeysuckle extract, which comes from the flowers, stems, and leaves of the Lonicera japonica plant, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time (1). However, Western herbal medicine and natural medicine have only recently begun to pay attention to it.
Chlorogenic acid, luteolin, and caffeic acid, among other active compounds found in honeysuckle extract, are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties (2). With the developing interest in normal cures, honeysuckle removal is presently usually utilized in supplements, skincare items, and mending teas or mixtures.
Outline of Honeysuckle Concentrate
Honeysuckle extricate is obtained from the Japanese honeysuckle, otherwise called Lonicera japonica. It is a type of honeysuckle local to eastern Asia, yet all at once now saw as around the world. The white and yellow blossoms of the honeysuckle plant produce the concentrate, alongside the stems, leaves and roots (3).
Various phytochemicals present in honeysuckle flower extract are believed to offer health benefits. These include:
- Phenolic acids like chlorogenic acid: Powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress (4)
- Flavonoids such as luteolin: Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (5)
- Organic acids like caffeic acid: Demonstrate antimicrobial and immune-regulating properties (6)
These and other active compounds are thought to produce anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in humans. However, larger scale clinical studies in humans are still needed to confirm these benefits fully.
Health Benefits of Honeysuckle Extract
Here are some of the ways honeysuckle extract may benefit health:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Multiple studies indicate honeysuckle has significant anti-inflammatory activity. The phytochemicals in honeysuckle extract may help inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the proteins that propagate inflammation (7). This may help:
- Alleviate pain and swelling associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis
- Improve inflammatory skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis
- Reduce inflammation-induced damage that can lead to chronic diseases
The anti-inflammatory properties can make honeysuckle extract helpful for treating sore throats, skin rashes, and joint pain. Applying it topically may also soothe sunburns.
Antioxidant Effects
Abundant antioxidants in honeysuckle extract like luteolin and chlorogenic acid help counter oxidative stress in the body (8). This is the damage caused by excess free radicals and reactive oxygen species. As an antioxidant, honeysuckle extract may:
- Neutralize destructive free radicals before they can attack and damage healthy cells
- Prevent premature aging and health issues linked to oxidative damage
- Support immune defense by enhancing white blood cells’ antioxidant capacity
These antioxidant mechanisms make honeysuckle a helpful supplement for preventing age-related chronic diseases.
Immune System Support
Research indicates certain compounds in honeysuckle like chlorogenic acid have immunostimulatory properties that may enhance immune function (9). Specifically, honeysuckle extract may help:
- Boost the production and activity of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages
- Modulate the immune system’s inflammatory response
- Enhance resistance to invading pathogens and infections
- Shorten recovery time and severity of respiratory infections
This immune-boosting activity can make honeysuckle extract a useful supplement during cold and flu season to help prevent infections. It may also help manage autoimmune disorders characterized by immune dysfunction.
Ways to Use Honeysuckle Extract
Here are some evidence-based ways to incorporate honeysuckle extract:
Tea and Infusions
The easiest way to use honeysuckle extract is to brew tea using the dried flowers. Pour boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried honeysuckle flowers and steep for 5-10 minutes (10). Enjoy this soothing, antioxidant-rich tea up to a few times daily.
You can also add honeysuckle extract powder to herbal blends and teas containing ingredients like green tea, ginger, ginseng, etc. Infuse these teas with honey, lemon or mint to enhance flavor.
Skincare and Cosmetics
Honeysuckle flower extract is becoming a popular additive in skincare formulations like creams, serums, and toners. Applied topically, it helps hydrate, soothe inflammation, and fight acne thanks to its antimicrobial action (11).
Look for skincare products containing honeysuckle extract for natural relief from eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. It also helps modulate oil production and minimize pores.
Supplements
Ingesting honeysuckle extract capsules or liquid extracts can provide internal anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Recommended dosages are typically 400-500mg of honeysuckle extract once or twice daily (12).
When taking honeysuckle supplements, it’s best to follow the dosage instructions and stick to the recommended duration. Avoid excessive long-term intake without medical guidance.
What are the benefits of drinking honeysuckle flower extract?
Drinking honeysuckle flower extract as tea or infusions offers these evidence-based benefits:
- Provides powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help relieve pain and swelling (13)
- Rich in antioxidant flavonoids like luteolin that reduce oxidative stress (14)
- Boosts immunity due to antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties (15)
- Soothes sore throats and coughs due to anti-inflammatory effects (16)
- Helps treat and prevent urinary tract infections with antimicrobial action (17)
- Improves digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and relieving intestinal inflammation (18)
- Hydrates the body and replenishes electrolytes post-illness or exercise (19)
- Enhances skin health due to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hydrating effects (20)
However, more research is still needed to confirm some of these benefits conclusively. Moderation is key when drinking honeysuckle extract tea regularly.
What does honeysuckle do for lungs?
Some initial studies show honeysuckle may benefit respiratory health and lung function in certain ways:
- Its anti-inflammatory compounds can help relieve lung inflammation in asthma and COPD (21).
- Antimicrobial properties help fight infections by bacteria like pneumonia (22).
- May act as an expectorant and help clear mucus from airways and lungs (23).
- Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage to lung tissues caused by smoking, pollution, etc (24).
- Immune-boosting effects strengthen lungs’ defenses against viruses and pathogens (25).
Drinking honeysuckle tea may help reduce severity and frequency of coughs, sore throats, and lung inflammation. However, more direct clinical trials are required to establish its efficacy for lung health definitively.
Is honeysuckle safe to drink?
For most people, drinking moderate amounts of honeysuckle flower extract tea or infusions is considered safe with minimal side effects. However, some precautions apply:
- Avoid excessive intake as high doses may cause nausea, dizziness or diarrhea (26).
- Those with pollen or bee allergies should check for sensitivity before ingesting (27).
- Honeysuckle may interact with certain medications like antibiotics and sedatives (28).
- Avoid use if pregnant or breastfeeding until deemed safe by a doctor (29).
- Discontinue drinking honeysuckle if rashes, hives or breathing difficulties occur (30).
- Children and older adults should drink smaller amounts diluted with water just to be safe.
When consumed carefully in moderation, honeysuckle tea and infusions are unlikely to cause adverse effects in most people. But it’s better to consult a doctor before daily use.
When should I take honeysuckle?
Here are some simple guidelines on when to take honeysuckle extract for maximum benefits:
- Take honeysuckle supplements with food to minimize acid reflux and stomach upset (31).
- Drink honeysuckle tea between meals for optimal absorption of active compounds (32).
- Use honeysuckle extract in the mornings and evenings for the best anti-inflammatory effects (33).
- Consume honeysuckle before flu season starts to prime your immune defenses (34).
- Apply honeysuckle creams and serums at night for enhanced skin repair and rejuvenation (35).
- Use honeysuckle extract within a week or two of onset for optimal relief of coughs/colds (36).
- Combine honeysuckle with echinacea or ginseng for stronger immunity boosting effects (37).
Keep in mind that honeysuckle supplements and topical products provide more concentrated active compounds than tea. Work with a natural medicine practitioner to tailor an optimal regimen for your needs.
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