Evidence supporting the use of: Honeysuckle (unspecified)
For the health condition: Herpes
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honeysuckle (most commonly Lonicera japonica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Chinese herbal medicine. It is often included in traditional formulas for the treatment of infectious diseases, including viral infections such as herpes simplex. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), honeysuckle is categorized as a "heat-clearing" and "detoxifying" herb, thought to help remove "toxic heat" from the body, which is sometimes associated with symptoms such as sores or lesions that are also seen in herpes infections.
While some laboratory studies have indicated that extracts from honeysuckle may possess antiviral properties, including limited activity against herpes simplex viruses in vitro, clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most of the support for its use is based on traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. There are some animal and cell studies suggesting that components of honeysuckle (like chlorogenic acid and luteolin) may inhibit viral replication or have anti-inflammatory effects, but these findings have not translated into strong clinical recommendations.
In summary, honeysuckle is primarily used for herpes in the context of traditional medicine, with some low-level scientific evidence suggesting possible antiviral effects. However, high-quality human studies confirming its efficacy for herpes are absent, so use is mainly tradition-based.
Other ingredients used for Herpes
aloe verabisabolol
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
goldenseal
honeysuckle
l-lysine
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
monolaurin
oregon grape
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
vitamin C
zinc
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
ganoderma
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
melaleuca alternifolia
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Acemannan
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bitter Grass
coconut oil
Carvacrol
Centipeda
Dianthus
Docosanol
Ellagic Acid
Echinacea
Euphorbia
Eugenol
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