Evidence supporting the use of: Japanese Honeysuckle
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In this context, the plant—known as "Jin Yin Hua"—is highly valued for its purported “heat-clearing” and detoxifying properties. TCM practitioners have historically used honeysuckle preparations, often as part of herbal decoctions or washes, to address symptoms of conjunctivitis (commonly referred to as “red eye” or “eye fire”). The plant is believed to help reduce inflammation and combat infections, both of which are relevant to conjunctivitis. However, while its use for eye conditions is well-documented in historical and ethnobotanical sources, there is limited direct scientific evidence specifically validating honeysuckle’s efficacy for conjunctivitis. Most modern research on Lonicera japonica focuses on its general antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, rather than on clinical trials for conjunctivitis in humans. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from the plant have activity against certain pathogens and can modulate inflammatory responses, which could theoretically be beneficial for conjunctivitis. Nonetheless, rigorous clinical studies specifically examining its effectiveness and safety for eye infections in humans are lacking. In summary, Japanese Honeysuckle’s use for conjunctivitis is rooted in traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation, and evidence remains limited to traditional texts and indirect pharmacological research.
Other ingredients used for Conjunctivitis
aloe verabilberry
black currant
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
lactoperoxidase
nettle
phellodendron amurense
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
vitamin A
vitamin C
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
neem tree
commiphora
swertia
chrysanthemum
trichosanthes
eucalyptus
Alchornea
Aconite
American Liverleaf
Astragalin
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bee products
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Colloidal Silver
Chinese Raisintree
Eclipta
Metal Salt
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by Japanese Honeysuckle
AbscessesAcne
Adenitis
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Carbuncles
Chest Pain
Chills
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Diphtheria
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Fungal Infections
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gonorrhea
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Hepatitis
Herpes
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza