What Is Honeysuckle Tea?

Honeysuckle tea is a beverage made from the flowers of the honeysuckle plant and is believed to have a wide variety of medicinal uses. Some of the most popular reported benefits of this tea include the reduction of inflammation, treatment of sore throat and fever, and infection prevention. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting may also be treated with honeysuckle tea. Some people may exhibit allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, or facial swelling when using this remedy. It is important to consult a doctor or other trusted medical professional with any specific questions or concerns about the use of honeysuckle tea.

Depending on the condition being treated, honeysuckle tea can be consumed internally or applied externally to skin lesions or blemishes. A stronger tea is typically used to treat skin conditions than the tea used for internal consumption. To make this tea, honeysuckle flowers are added to boiling water and allowed to steep for a few minutes. The flowers are then strained from the tea before adding any desired ingredients such as honey or lemon.

Due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honeysuckle tea, it is often used externally to prevent or treat skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis. This tea may also soothe itching and burning associated with bee stings or insect bites. Any potential signs of infection, such as increased redness or the development of pus, should be reported to a doctor for further evaluation.

Used internally, honeysuckle tea may help treat respiratory issues such as nasal inflammation, sore throat, and fever. Lung inflammation caused by bronchitis or pneumonia may respond well to the use of honeysuckle tea. Nausea and vomiting associated with inflammation of the digestive tract may be eased by drinking this tea. Other inflammatory conditions that may be treated with honeysuckle tea include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn's disease.

Some people may develop allergic reactions to honeysuckle that can range from mild to potentially life threatening. The most common allergic symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing when coming into contact with products containing honeysuckle. A more severe type of allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis may cause chest pain; difficulty breathing; and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat. Potential anaphylactic symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency, as death is possible within a matter of minutes if oxygen is unable to travel to the brain and other organs of the body.