Honeysuckle Health Benefits and Uses

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Florist Ephy
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Honeysuckle or Lonicera is a common garden plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. These plants are native to the Northern Hemisphere but thrive in many parts of the world under temperate conditions. They have sweet-smelling flowers and can be easily picked out in a garden due to their fragrant bloom. However, honeysuckles are not just sweet-smelling, ornamental flowers as they are also beneficial to your health. Here are honeysuckle health benefits and uses:

[Note: The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
Research shows that honeysuckles have impressive and potent health benefits. A study in 2017 indicates that these flowers have pathogen-fighting properties including antioxidants. A different study shows that they have polyphenols. These are compounds that inhibit inflammation. The ability to inhibit inflammation is highly beneficial as inflammation is usually the underlying cause of most ailments.

Immune boosting
Honeysuckles have a special place in Japanese traditional medicine due to their ability to help in boosting the immune system. The flowers have immunomodulatory agents which increase natural killer cells. These are components of the white blood cells that kill viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens.

Natural nerve calming fragrance
Essential oils derived from honeysuckle flowers have a natural fragrance. Oil derived from honeysuckle is usually very rare to find, but once you get it, the oil has an uplifting fragrance that improves moods and calms frayed nerves.

Regulating blood glucose
Honeysuckle is known to hold the potential for helping people with type 2 diabetes. A study published in 2015 using diabetic rats for four weeks showed that rats treated with honeysuckle extracts experienced reduced blood glucose and insulin resistance significantly.

A different study published in 2014 showed that honeysuckle extracts possessed significant anti-inflammatory capabilities to mitigate the effects of diabetic nephropathy.

Natural gargles
Honeysuckle extracts make natural mouthwash and gargle solutions as they contain antibacterial and astringent properties. For a homemade mouthwash, boil two cups of water with ½ a cup of fresh honeysuckle flowers.

When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. To avoid getting scalded, let the cocktail cool down sufficiently before putting it in your mouth.

Arthritis
Honeysuckle’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal herbal remedy for people suffering from arthritis. Studies have shown that extracts from honeysuckle administered to animal subjects suffering from adjuvant-induced arthritis experienced significant suppression in the production of inflammatory enzymes in the spleen.

With all the above honeysuckle health benefits and uses, there is no good reason not have these flowers growing in your backyard.

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