Food as Medicine: Honeysuckle and Chrysanthemum

Honeysuckle has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years to treat viral infections. Honeysuckle plants contain a plant microRNA called MIR2911, which has been shown in clinical trials to suppress a variety of respiratory viruses.

Chrysanthemum has been found to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

These two important flowers have been used to treat conditions from seasonal allergies to viral diseases. Enjoy a healthy mug of this unique tea this spring to support your body.

Immune Supporting Honeysuckle Chrysanthemum Tea

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of organic dried chrysanthemum flowers
1/2 cup of dried honeysuckle flowers
3 liters of water
Honey to taste, preferably Manuka

Directions:

Rinse the flowers under running water
Soak flowers for 30 minutes in half of the water
Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer
Simmer for 30 minutes with the lid on
Strain and reserve liquid
Add remaining water to flowers and simmer again for 30 minutes
Strain and mix both batches of tea together
Serve warm with honey to taste

References:

Cheng W, Li J, You T, Hu C. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of the extracts from the inflorescence of Chrysanthemum indicum Linné. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 3;101(1-3):334-7.

Cheon YH, Park SH, Ahn SJ, et al. Anti-inflammatory components of Chrysanthemum indicum flowers. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Jan 15 2015;25(2):266-269.

Sassi AB, Skhiri FH, Chraief I, et al. Essential oils and crude extracts from Chrysanthemum trifurcatum leaves, stems and roots: chemical composition and antibacterial activity. J Oleo Sci. 2014;63(6):607-617.

Zhou, Z., Li, X., Liu, J. et al. Honeysuckle-encoded atypical microRNA2911 directly targets influenza A viruses. Cell Res 25, 39–49 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/cr.2014.130

This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.