Jīn Yín Huā (金银花) — Honeysuckle Flower

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Jīn Yín Huā (金银花) — Lonicera japonica — is known in English as Honeysuckle flower. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and resolve toxicity in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Jīn Yín Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and resolves Fire toxicity
2. Disperses Wind-Heat
3. Cools Blood and stops dysentery
4. Clears Heat from the exterior and interior simultaneously

Indications

1. Wind-Heat invasion — fever, sore throat, headache and early-stage respiratory infections
2. Heat toxin with skin infections, carbuncles, boils and abscesses
3. Intestinal abscess and hot dysentery with blood and pus in stools
4. Urinary tract infections from Damp-Heat with burning urination
5. Viral respiratory infections including influenza and COVID-19
6. Acne and inflammatory skin conditions from Heat and Toxin

4. Key formulas containing Jīn Yín Huā

Jīn Yín Huā is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Yin Qiao San

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Lonicera japonica (Jin Yin Hua) is one of the most important antimicrobial herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica and has been intensively studied for antiviral activity. Key bioactive constituents include chlorogenic acid, luteolin, quercetin, caffeic acid and iridoids. Research confirms broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and E. coli; antiviral activity against influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and herpes viruses; anti-inflammatory effects through NF-kB inhibition; and hepatoprotective properties. Chlorogenic acid has documented antioxidant and blood glucose-lowering effects. Jin Yin Hua became one of the most prescribed herbs during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with Cold and deficiency patterns, as the cold nature can damage Yang. Avoid in patients with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold with diarrhoea.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Jīn Yín Huā as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Acne, Urinary tract infections, Allergies. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.