I've been feeling a bit under the weather recently and was thinking of buying some honeysuckle. However, I noticed that the pharmacy sells both blooming and non-blooming varieties. I was wondering which one is better, the blooming or non-blooming honeysuckle?
Is blooming or non-blooming honeysuckle better?
The non-blooming variety is generally better.
Honeysuckle is derived from the dried flower buds or early blooming flowers of the honeysuckle plant and related plants. It is known as an excellent medicine for clearing heat and detoxifying, with a sweet and cool taste and a fragrant aroma. It can clear heat without damaging the stomach and expel evil. Generally speaking, the non-blooming honeysuckle has better efficacy compared to the blooming variety. If the honeysuckle has already bloomed, the concentration of effective medicinal compounds will decrease. Therefore, it is recommended to choose non-blooming honeysuckle for better results.
Can I still use blooming honeysuckle?
Yes, you can still use it.
Although blooming honeysuckle has lower medicinal efficacy compared to non-blooming honeysuckle, it still contains certain active ingredients that can help clear heat and detoxify. Blooming honeysuckle can also be used to make tea, soak feet, or take baths, but its medicinal efficacy is relatively weaker compared to non-blooming honeysuckle.
How to harvest honeysuckle?
Harvesting honeysuckle requires attention to the timing and method.
Harvesting timing
The best time to harvest honeysuckle is in the morning between 9-12 or in the afternoon after 4. It is not suitable to harvest when there is dew or rain. The best quality honeysuckle is when the flowers are pale white. When harvested in the morning, the flower buds of honeysuckle are less likely to bloom, have sufficient nutrients, are heavier, and have a strong aroma, resulting in higher quality. Honeysuckle harvested around noon will have lower quality as the flower buds have already opened. Harvesting on rainy days will also yield poorer quality flowers that are difficult to dry and process.
Harvesting method
When harvesting honeysuckle, only pick mature or nearly mature flower buds. Do not pick young buds or leaves. Place the harvested honeysuckle in a woven or bamboo basket, avoiding piling them up. They should be spread out and not left for more than 4 hours.
How to process harvested honeysuckle?
1. Soak the harvested honeysuckle in water and gently stir to remove dust and impurities.
2. Use a clean and fine cotton cloth to gently dry the water on the honeysuckle, being careful not to damage the flower's structure.
3. Find an open area with direct sunlight and place a bamboo winnowing basket.
4. Spread the honeysuckle in the winnowing basket and let it air dry.
5. Store the dried honeysuckle in a sealed container.
How to drink honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle tea
Instructions:
1. Take about 20 grams of honeysuckle and place it in a teapot.
2. Pour in a suitable amount of water.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Let it cool slightly before drinking as tea.
5. You can also add a suitable amount of honey or rock sugar.
Efficacy: Clears heat and detoxifies, soothes the throat.
