Jin Yin Hua | Flos Lonicerae | Honeysuckle Flower
Properties: sweet, cold
Channels: Large intestine, lung, stomach
Jin Yin Hua, is best known for its ability to clear heat and resolve fire toxicity. It has the ability to vent and disperse external wind-heat and clear damp-heat from the lower jiao. It can also help cool blood and stop bleeding when charred.
Jin Yin Hua is found in both our Yoni Wash Yellow and Skin Wash Clarify, for its ability to work with both the lower jiao (yoni) and the wei level (skin). It has the unique ability to disperse toxins if they haven’t formed yet, think about a carbuncle that has not come to a head yet, or perforate a toxin that has already formed, think of genital warts.
In Chinese Medicine we have a term called snake cluster sores, which is likened to genital warts or herpes simplex. When looking at the properties of the active constituents - anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and antipyretic properties (Tang, 2018), it makes sense why this herb is indicated for these conditions.
Another common Chinese Medicine syndrome this herbs assist the body with is Lin syndrome, which is likened to a urinary tract infection. There a several types of Lin, this herb works best for Re or Heat Lin syndrome. The key function of clearing damp-heat from the lower jiao, is manifested out as symptoms such as burning and thick yellow discharge, with or without a foul odor.
Jin Yin Hua mainly contains biologically active compounds such as caffeic acid derivatives, essential oil, flavonoids, irdoid glycosides and terpenoids.
There are over 200 compounds found in this herb, which have impressive capabilities when it comes to antibacterial effects. In 2009, Rahman et al. evaluated the antibacterial potential of FLJ volatile oil, which showed a remarkable antibacterial effect against Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19116), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Bacillus cereus SCK 111, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Salmonella enteritidis (KCTC 12021), Salmonella typhimurium (KCTC 2515), Enterobacter aerogenes (KCTC 2190), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739).
This flower possesses incredible properties that aid in supporting the body. Additionally, its fragrance is delightful!
References:
Rahman A, Kang SC. In vitro control of food-borne and food spoilage bacteria by essential oil and ethanol extracts of Lonicera japonica Thunb. Food Chem. 2009;116:670–675. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2009.03.014.
PMID: 26161134
Yan-Ran TANG et al., Lonicerae Flos: A Review of Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities, Digital Chinese Medicine, Volume 1, Issue 2, 2018, Pages 173-188, ISSN 2589-3777, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-3777(19)30022-9.