Evidence supporting the use of: Honeysuckle (unspecified)
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honeysuckle (most commonly Lonicera japonica) has a well-documented history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions, including conjunctivitis (commonly referred to as "pink eye"). In TCM, honeysuckle is classified as a "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" herb and is often included in herbal decoctions intended to treat "wind-heat" conditions, which encompass symptoms like red, swollen, and painful eyes.
Historically, honeysuckle has been applied both orally and topically (as washes or compresses) in various traditional medicine systems in East Asia for ocular inflammation. The traditional rationale is based on its reputed ability to clear heat and toxins from the body, which TCM theory associates with many acute inflammatory disorders, including conjunctivitis.
However, scientific evidence to support the specific use of honeysuckle for conjunctivitis is limited. While laboratory studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in extracts of Lonicera japonica, there are few, if any, clinical studies directly evaluating its efficacy in treating conjunctivitis in humans. The bulk of the evidence remains anecdotal or theoretical, and there is no established dosage or preparation validated by modern trials. Thus, while the traditional use is well established, scientific validation is weak at present.
More about Honeysuckle (unspecified)
More about Conjunctivitis
Other ingredients used for Conjunctivitis
aloe verabilberry
black currant
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
lactoperoxidase
nettle
phellodendron amurense
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
vitamin A
vitamin C
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
neem tree
commiphora
swertia
chrysanthemum
trichosanthes
eucalyptus
Alchornea
Aconite
American Liverleaf
Astragalin
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Colloidal Silver
Chinese Raisintree
Eclipta
Metal Salt
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Honeysuckle (unspecified)
AbscessesAdenitis
Allergies (respiratory)
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza