Herb Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity

Jin Yin Hua

Honeysuckle flowers | 金银花

Lonicera japonica

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Heart, Lungs, Stomach

Parts Used

Dried flower bud

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Jin Yin Hua

Traditional Actions

Clear Toxic-Heat
Detoxify
Cool and disperse Wind-Heat

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Jin Yin Hua belongs to the 'Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity' category. Herbs in this category are used to clear inflammatory and infectious conditions, referred to as 'Internal Heat' in TCM. This is why most of the herbs in this category will have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. In TCM one has too much 'Internal Heat' in their body as a result of a deficiency of 'Yin' (which is Cold in nature, see our explanation on Yin and Yang) or, more commonly, an Excess of Yang (Hot in nature). Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity treat the latter while, at the same time, removing infectious toxins from the body. As such they tend to be Cold or Neutral in nature.

 

As suggested by its category Jin Yin Hua is Cold in nature. This means that Jin Yin Hua typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Jin Yin Hua can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Jin Yin Hua also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Jin Yin Hua tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Jin Yin Hua is thought to target the Heart, the Lung and the Stomach. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body. The Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine.

Common Applications

Carbuncles Boils Erysipelas Dysentery Pharyngitis Acne Tonsillitis Laryngitis Sore throat

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Jin Yin Hua

Loniceroside C, a saponin from Japanese honeysuckle, showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity against mouse ear edema1

Sources:

1. Wie Jong Kwak, Chang Kyun Han, Hyeun Wook Chang, Hyun Pyo Kim, Sam Sik Kang, Kun Ho Son (2003) Loniceroside C, an Antiinflammatory Saponin from Lonicera japonica. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 51: No. 3 p. 333-335

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Jin Yin Hua

Traditional Preparation

Dry flower buds immediately after harvest. The temperatures should be tightly controlled: first dry at 30 - 35 °C during 2 hours, then at 40 °C for 5 - 10 hours and finally at 45 - 50 °C during 10h. During drying the flower buds shouldn't be turned around otherwise they'll turn black.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

10 - 20g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Jin Yin Hua

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Jin Yin Hua may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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