Honeysuckle (jīn yín huā; 金银花) is one of the most popular anti-inflammatory herbs in TCM. Due to its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, it is commonly used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, common cold with wind-heat symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat, acute and chronic tonsillitis, skin infections (e.g. carbuncles and sores), and even mastitis.
Benefits:
● Clears body heat
● Relieves common cold with wind-heat symptoms such as sore throat, fever, cough with thick yellow phlegm, runny nose with yellow mucus, dark yellow urine, and hard or dry stools
● Detoxifies the body
● Reduces inflammation and infection
● Soothes skin redness and inflammation
● Relieves mastitis
Tasting notes:
Fragrant, mild taste with slightly bitter notes
Contraindications:
Individuals with weak spleen or stomach (e.g. bloated abdomen, loose stools, and poor appetite) and those with Qi-deficiency (e.g. fatigue and abnormal sweating) should avoid taking honeysuckle. Not recommended for treatment of sores that exude clear fluid, and should only be used when there is thick yellow discharge.
Dosage:
6g to 15g
Suggested use:
Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in hot water for about 5 minutes before consuming. For a cold brew tea, use room temperature water instead and refrigerate for 2 hours or longer if you prefer a stronger taste.
Note:
It is recommended to pour away the first brew to 'wash' the tea.
Ingredients:
100% natural dried honeysuckle flowers
Origin:
Shandong, China
Storage:
Best kept refrigerated
Recommendation:
Honeysuckle pairs well with herbs such as chrysanthemum (jú huā; 菊花), monk fruit (luó hàn guǒ; 罗汉果), gān cǎo (甘草), wolfberries (gǒu qǐ; 枸杞), peppermint (bò hé; 薄荷), dried tangerine peel (chén pí; 陈皮), xuán shēn (玄参), and mài dōng (麦冬).
How to relieve sore throat and heaty cough with yellow or green phlegm:
Rinse herbs and crush one luó hàn guǒ (罗汉果) before use. Boil 40g honeysuckle (jīn yín huā; 金银花) with 1 luó hàn guǒ (罗汉果) in 1 litre of water for about 30 minutes. Serve it warm. (Serving size: 3-4)
How to soothe a swollen sore throat:
Rinse herbs before use. Put 10g Honeysuckle (jīn yín huā; 金银花), 9g Chrysanthemum Buds (tāi jú; 胎菊), 10g xuán shēn (玄参), 10g mài dōng (麦冬), and 3g gān cǎo (甘草) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover the herbs. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer under low heat for 20 minutes. Add rock sugar or honey to taste (optional). Serve it warm. (Serving size: 1 to 2)
In TCM, 'heatiness' suggests an excess of Yang energy or deficiency of Yin. Apart from the hot weather, poor diet and lifestyle can also cause 'heatiness' to manifest in the body. For instance, frequently staying up late, overworking without adequate rest, consuming excessive 'heaty' foods, etc.
Examples of 'heaty' foods:
● Deep-fried, greasy or spicy foods
● Chicken, beef, or lamb meats
● Fruits such as durian, mango, longan, or lychee
● Alcohol, coffee, red tea, or chocolate beverages
Some signs of 'heatiness' or Yin deficiency include:
● Warm, feverish palms and soles
● Sore throat, fever, or ulcers in the mouth
● Hard and dry stools or constipation
● Dark or yellow urine
● Dry or bloodshot eyes
● Skin issues such as acne, eczema, and hives
● Feelings of restlessness, irritability, vexation, agitation, or anxiety
● Dream-disturbed sleep or insomnia
● Dry cough or cough with thick yellow phlegm
Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
