Can Honeysuckle Cause a Rash? What Does Research Say?

Honeysuckle, also known as Jin Yin Hua in Chinese, is a common climbing plant with beautiful white and yellow flowers. It has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cooling and detoxifying properties. However, recent studies have shown that honeysuckle can cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions in some people. Let’s dive into the details.

What is Honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle, scientifically known as Lonicera japonica, is a perennial vine that is native to East Asia. Its flowers start off white and turn yellow, hence the name “honeysuckle.” In traditional Chinese medicine, honeysuckle is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and skin infections¹.

Can Honeysuckle Cause a Rash?

Yes, honeysuckle can cause a rash. While it is a popular herb in traditional medicine, some people may be allergic to it. Contact or ingestion of honeysuckle can lead to skin rashes, itching, redness, and swelling²³.

Symptoms of Honeysuckle Allergy

The symptoms of a honeysuckle allergy can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include⁴⁵:

• Skin Reactions: Rash, itching, redness, swelling, and hives.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing.
• Digestive Symptoms: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, dizziness, and fatigue.

How to Safely Consume Honeysuckle

If you’re considering using honeysuckle, here are some tips to ensure your safety:

• Consult a Doctor: Before using honeysuckle, especially if you have a history of allergies, consult your doctor or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
• Gradual Increase: Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage to observe your body’s reaction.
• Monitor for Allergic Reactions: Pay close attention to any changes in your body. If you experience any allergic symptoms, stop using honeysuckle immediately and seek medical attention.

Who Should Avoid Honeysuckle?

Certain groups of people should be cautious about consuming or coming into contact with honeysuckle⁶:

• Allergic Individuals: Those who are allergic to honeysuckle should avoid it altogether.
• People with Cold and Weak Spleen and Stomach: Honeysuckle has a cooling effect, which may not be suitable for people with a weak and cold spleen and stomach.
• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use honeysuckle with caution and preferably under medical supervision.
• Children: Children’s physiological functions are not fully developed, so they should use honeysuckle under medical guidance.

Other Side Effects and Risks of Honeysuckle

Besides allergic reactions, honeysuckle can also cause other side effects⁷:

• Gastrointestinal Reactions: Such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Lowered Blood Pressure: Excessive consumption of honeysuckle can lead to a drop in blood pressure.

Note: The information provided is for reference only and cannot replace a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. If you have any questions about using honeysuckle, please consult a professional physician.

Conclusion

While honeysuckle has many benefits, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects, especially allergic reactions. Always consult a healthcare professional before using honeysuckle, and be mindful of any changes in your body. By taking these precautions, you can safely enjoy the benefits of this traditional herb.

1. 金银花 – 百度百科 https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%87%91%E9%93%B6%E8%8A%B1/20143150 ↩︎
2. Lamminpää A, Kinos M. Plant poisonings in children[J]. Human & experimental toxicology, 1996, 15(3): 245-249. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/096032719601500310 ↩︎
3. Hou S X, Yuan L F, Du F, et al. Investigation and analysis on the adverse reactions caused by 12 kinds of commonly used traditional Chinese medicine injections[J]. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2012, 6(11): 2797-2801. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMR/article-full-text-pdf/07847E125480 ↩︎
4. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(04)00340-9/fulltext ↩︎
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674904003409 ↩︎
6. https://www.rmzxb.com.cn/c/2018-10-16/2191716.shtml ↩︎
7. https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_15692092070440353162 ↩︎