Honeysuckle: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolia) is a group of flowering shrubs or vines. The flowers, seeds, berries, and leaves are used for medicine.

Honeysuckle might decrease swelling and also have antiviral effects. It contains essential oils as well as antioxidants such as quercetin.

People use honeysuckle for indigestion, bacterial or viral infections, memory, diabetes, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse honeysuckle with other plants such as woodbine, American ivy, and gelsemium. All of these plants are sometimes called woodbine, but they are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Honeysuckle overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Honeysuckle flower extract is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if honeysuckle is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if honeysuckle is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Honeysuckle might slow blood clotting, so there is concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using honeysuckle at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle might slow blood clotting. Taking honeysuckle along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of honeysuckle might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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