Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries to treat sore throat and other inflammatory conditions. In TCM, honeysuckle is known as "Jin Yin Hua" and is often included in herbal formulas for its purported ability to "clear heat and relieve toxicity," which includes symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and upper respiratory tract infections. One of the classic uses of honeysuckle is in the formula "Yin Qiao San," which is widely prescribed for early-stage colds and sore throat.

Some modern pharmacological studies have identified that honeysuckle contains compounds such as chlorogenic acid and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties in vitro and in animal models. These actions may theoretically benefit sore throat by reducing microbial load and inflammation. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans specifically investigating honeysuckle for sore throat are limited, and most evidence for its efficacy comes from traditional use and historical texts rather than rigorous scientific validation.

In summary, the use of honeysuckle for sore throat is primarily rooted in traditional medical systems, with some supporting laboratory evidence for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. However, clinical evidence in humans is moderate and not robust, justifying a rating of 3 for the strength of evidence.