Amur Honeysuckle Edible: What Does Research Say?

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a large, deciduous shrub that originates from East Asia and has now become an invasive species in many parts of North America. But the question remains, is Amur honeysuckle edible?

Let’s dive into the research to explore whether this plant can be safely consumed, what parts are edible, and what potential benefits and risks it may carry.

What is Amur Honeysuckle?

Amur honeysuckle is a robust, multi-stemmed plant that can reach heights of up to 15 feet. With its arching branches, pale bark, and clusters of white flowers that turn yellow over time, it is visually striking. The shrub also produces red berries, which remain on the plant through the winter¹.

Despite its beauty, Amur honeysuckle is considered an invasive species. It grows aggressively, displacing native plants, reducing biodiversity, and affecting the balance of ecosystems².

Can It Be Eaten?

When it comes to the question of whether Amur honeysuckle is edible, the answer is not straightforward³. The plant produces red berries, but these berries are considered mildly toxic. Consumption of the berries can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as severe diarrhea. Therefore, eating the berries is not recommended⁴.

However, the flowers of Amur honeysuckle can be used to make a fragrant tea, which is safe for consumption. Unlike the berries, the flowers do not carry the same toxic properties and have been traditionally used for their aroma and flavor in some cultures.

Edible Parts of Amur Honeysuckle

Flowers: The flowers of Amur honeysuckle can be safely consumed in the form of tea. Here’s a simple method to prepare it:

1. Collect fresh flowers and wash them thoroughly.
2. Place them in boiling water and let them steep for at least an hour.
3. After filtering out the petals, you can sweeten the tea with honey or sugar syrup to taste.

This tea can be enjoyed either hot or cold, making it a refreshing beverage, especially during hot summer days⁵.

Berries and Other Parts: The berries and leaves of Amur honeysuckle are not safe for consumption. Ingesting them may cause digestive issues such as stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea⁶.

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Health Benefits

While Amur honeysuckle itself does not offer significant health benefits due to its toxicity, other species of honeysuckle, such as Lonicera japonica, have been noted for their medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, certain honeysuckle species have been used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Some honeysuckle species contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, which could benefit those suffering from chronic inflammation-related diseases⁷.
• Immune-boosting: Honeysuckle flowers and berries in certain varieties are used in herbal remedies to strengthen the immune system⁸.

However, it’s important to note that Amur honeysuckle does not offer these benefits and is primarily known for its harmful effects on the environment.

Potential Risks

1. Toxicity: As mentioned earlier, the berries of Amur honeysuckle are mildly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. Eating these berries can lead to stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea, and should be avoided at all costs⁹.
2. Environmental Impact: Beyond health concerns, Amur honeysuckle is known for its detrimental effects on ecosystems. It suppresses the growth of native plants, reduces biodiversity, and disrupts habitats for birds and other wildlife. Its fast-growing nature has led to its classification as an invasive species in many regions.
3. Increased Risk of Disease: The dense growth of Amur honeysuckle can also create favorable environments for ticks and mosquitoes, potentially increasing the spread of diseases such as Lyme disease¹⁰.

How to Safely Use Amur Honeysuckle

Though the berries of Amur honeysuckle should not be consumed, you can safely enjoy its flowers in the form of tea. As long as you avoid the toxic parts of the plant, you can benefit from the aromatic qualities of the flowers. Remember, if you’re looking for honeysuckle for medicinal or edible purposes, other varieties such as Lonicera japonica may be better and safer alternatives.

Conclusion

In summary, while Amur honeysuckle may be a visually appealing plant, it is not recommended for consumption due to its toxic berries. Only the flowers can be safely used to make tea, but even then, it’s important to be cautious and ensure you’re using the right parts of the plant. For those interested in the potential health benefits of honeysuckle, it’s advisable to explore other, safer species like Lonicera japonica.

In the end, it’s always best to be cautious when dealing with plants that have toxic properties. If you’re unsure, consult a botanist or herbal expert before consuming any part of Amur honeysuckle.

1. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/amurhoneysuckle ↩︎
2. https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/loma.htm ↩︎
3. https://draxe.com/nutrition/honeysuckle/ ↩︎
4. https://theoec.org/amur-honeysuckle-lonicera-maackii/ ↩︎
5. 李威寰, 吳玢玢, 李世滄. 忍冬莖, 葉, 花作用名實考[J]. J Chin Med, 2017, 28(2): 99-109. ↩︎
6. https://health010.tw/posts/honeysuckle-uses-and-benefits ↩︎
7. 马彦芳. 金银花抗氧化作用的研究[J]. 安徽农业科学, 2007, 35(11): 3241-3242. ↩︎
8. 王吉桥, 孙永新, 张剑诚. 金银花等复方草药对牙鲆生长, 消化和免疫能力的影响[J]. 水产学报, 2006, 30(1): 90-96. ↩︎
9. https://www.kingnet.com.tw/tcm/medicine_info?mid=157 ↩︎
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2973004/ ↩︎