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 a laxative, to counteract poisoning, and for birth control.
Honeysuckle is sometimes applied to the skin for inflammation and itching, and to kill germs.
USES & EFFECTIVENESS
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Swelling (inflammation) of small air passages in the lung (bronchiolitis). 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 virus infection.
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Digestive disorders.
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Cancerous tumors.
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Constipation.
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Skin inflammation.
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Itching.
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Colds.
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Fever.
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Swelling.
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Boils.
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Sores.
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Bacterial or viral infections.
- Promoting sweating
SIDE EFFECTS
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of honeysuckle during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Honeysuckle might slow blood clotting, so there is concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using honeysuckle at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
INTERACTIONS
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Honeysuckle might slow blood clotting. Taking honeysuckle along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
