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Overview: Honeysuckle is a plant called Lonicera japonica. Honeysuckle is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in various forms that are taken by mouth, including teas, capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and powders. People take honeysuckle for many reasons, such as cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, fever, and skin conditions, although its benefits are not well defined. Honeysuckle seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Check with your health care provider before using honeysuckle, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What is honeysuckle used for?

Honeysuckle (L. japonica) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may take honeysuckle include the following.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed honeysuckle for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does honeysuckle work (mechanism of action)?

Honeysuckle is a plant called Lonicera japonica Thunb. It is also sometimes called Japanese honeysuckle, Jin Yin Hua, or Ren Dong. Honeysuckle supplements are usually made using the dried flower buds or flowers of the plant.

Honeysuckle contains natural plant compounds called organic acids and flavonoids, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. The most common organic acid in honeysuckle is chlorogenic acid. Common flavonoids include luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These compounds can affect the body in several ways. For example, they may help reduce inflammation by lowering the levels of certain chemicals in the body that cause swelling and irritation. This is why honeysuckle has traditionally been used for sore throat, fever, joint pain, and other conditions involving inflammation.

Honeysuckle may also have antioxidant effects, meaning it may help protect cells from damage. Some laboratory research suggests that honeysuckle may have activity against certain viruses and bacteria, but these effects have not been confirmed in people.

Some laboratory and animal studies suggest honeysuckle extract may have anticancer effects, but clinical research is limited. More studies in people are needed to learn about its safety and potential benefits.

Honeysuckle may also help lower blood sugar levels; it may do so by blocking certain enzymes involved in sugar digestion and by affecting how the body uses insulin. However, these effects have only been seen in animals and in the laboratory, so the actual effects in humans are not well understood and need to be confirmed.

Herbal products such as honeysuckle naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific honeysuckle product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store honeysuckle?

You should store honeysuckle according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle seems to be well tolerated when taken by mouth. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of honeysuckle that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of honeysuckle?

While less common, the most serious side effects of honeysuckle are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Honeysuckle may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking honeysuckle and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use honeysuckle?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take honeysuckle.

  • Honeysuckle
  • Japanese honeysuckle
  • Jin Yin Hua
  • Lonicera japonica
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific honeysuckle products they stock.

What should I know about honeysuckle before using it?

Honeysuckle is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep honeysuckle out of the reach of children.

Honeysuckle is available in many forms, including extracts, dried powder, capsules, tablets, and teas. It may also be made from different parts of the plant, such as the flower buds, flowers, or stems. Because each form and plant part contains different natural chemicals, honeysuckle products may not all have the same effects on the body. Check the product label to see which part of the plant was used.

Like many herbal products, honeysuckle naturally contains a mixture of plant chemicals, and the amount of these chemicals can vary. Factors such as where and how the plant was grown, when it was harvested, and how it was processed can all affect the final product. As a result, switching to a different brand or even a new bottle of the same product may lead to different effects or side effects. Contact your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Some traditional Chinese medicine herbal products have been linked to safety concerns, including contamination, ingredients not listed on the product label, and harmful substances that may cause serious side effects or drug interactions.

The FDA has not tested honeysuckle products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using honeysuckle?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Bleeding Disorders or Planned Surgery. Honeysuckle may have antiplatelet (blood-thinning) effects, based on laboratory studies. If you have an upcoming surgery, talk to your health care provider about whether you should stop taking honeysuckle before the procedure.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Honeysuckle may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using honeysuckle, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how honeysuckle could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if honeysuckle passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does honeysuckle interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between honeysuckle and foods or drinks, though research is limited.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect honeysuckle.

Does honeysuckle interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking honeysuckle.

  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A medicine that suppresses your immune system

The interactions between honeysuckle and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with honeysuckle is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking honeysuckle with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much honeysuckle?

If you or someone else has used too much honeysuckle, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Honeysuckle comes in a range of doses and forms. Most honeysuckle products contain the flower buds or flowers of the plant, but some products may contain other parts, such as the stems. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use honeysuckle safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.