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 Lonicera caprifolium (Caprifoliaceae)
DUTCH HONEYSUCKLE, GOAT'S LEAF
Used as a remedy since Roman
times, the flowers and leaves (berries are poisonous) are given by
herbalists to encourage the coughing up of phlegm and as a mild laxative.
Dioscorides, in the 1st century, recommended honeysuckle for asthma and
diseases of the spleen and liver. Culpeper, however, who had to work hard to find uses
for the plant, said, "take a leaf and chew it in your mouth and you will quickly find it
likelier to cause a sore throat than cure it". Native to Europe but grown around the
world, it is a climbing deciduous shrub with oval leaves and, in midsummer, trumpet
shaped fragrant flowers, followed by yellow to red berries.
PARTS USED
Flowers, leaves.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Glycosides; salicylic acid; mucilage.
ACTIONS
Expectorant; causes vomiting.
MEDICINAL USE
Rarely used now, but it is a gentle expectorant and laxative.
In Chinese medicine, it is prescribed for colds, laryngitis, dysentery, food poisoning, boils, and rheumatism.
PREPARATIONS
Dried herb, infusion.
CAUTION
The berries are poisonous.
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