Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially for the prevention and treatment of colds and other respiratory infections. In TCM, honeysuckle is classified as a "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" herb, and is commonly included in herbal formulas such as Yin Qiao San, which is widely used for early-stage colds and flu-like symptoms. The traditional rationale is that honeysuckle helps "dispel wind-heat"—a TCM diagnosis often associated with the onset of common colds, characterized by fever, sore throat, and headache. While laboratory studies have demonstrated that honeysuckle possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties in vitro and in animal models, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Some small clinical trials and observational studies suggest potential benefit, particularly when honeysuckle is used as part of multi-herb preparations. However, these studies often lack rigorous controls and are confounded by the presence of other active ingredients. Thus, while traditional use is well-documented and there is some preliminary scientific support, high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking to definitively validate honeysuckle’s efficacy for cold prevention in humans. Its use remains primarily justified by tradition, with moderate but not strong supporting evidence.

More about honeysuckle
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by honeysuckle

Products containing honeysuckle

Metagenics Essential Defense®