Did you know that there are hundreds of varieties of honeysuckle, and not all of them have the same uses? They are so varied and purposeful that there are whole books dedicated to these magnificent little plants. Wild honeysuckle can be found in many areas, and it, too, has a great number of uses. Here are four of them that you may find helpful.
Sinus infections
The common varieties of honeysuckle we see in North America all have the ability to assist with sinus drainage and headaches. To use them as such, you would boil the entire flower in water, drain it, and drink the water. It will have a lightly sweet flavor. You can also eat the insides of the flower (the honey or nectar) along with drinking the water.
Asthma
It has been found that the dried out seed of the honeysuckle plant can hep with asthma and other breathing disorders. The seed should be made into a drink and consumed for four days in a row, three times a day, at 10 ounces each time. Mixing the honeysuckle water and a little honey together, to make a syrup, can help with breathing issues, as well. It is not recommended these take the place of traditional asthma treatments and medications, however.
Topical skin treatment
Honey has long since been praised for getting rid of the redness and inflammation of acne and other skin issues, and honeysuckle leaves can do the same. It is best to place the plant in the refrigerator so that it is cold, crush it up and then blend it with olive oil to make an ointment. Apply to the affected area for 10 minutes, and then wipe clean with a cold wash cloth.
Diffused scent
You can place honeysuckle in and odorless oil and heat it up to scent your home lightly, naturally, and sweetly. It will not travel well throughout the rooms unless you disperse it, but if you were to place this on the stove it will make your kitchen smell much cleaner and fresher.
Thank you to Angel Haney for these great insights!
vickie couturier says
this has always been one of my favorite smells,couldnt use it for over 40 yrs because my Dad was allergic,,but I love to go to store and just stand and enjoy the aroma
Nicole Dz says
Wow didn’t know honeysuckle could be so useful. I have sinus infections a lot so I would love to try it out for that use.
Janet W. says
I had no idea it could be used as a skin treatment! We used to have a lot of these in our old neighborhood and my daughters loved riding around on their bikes to get honeysuckles.
Rosie says
I love honeysuckle! I didn’t realize you could use it any of these ways! I’m excited to try!