Honeysuckle, a common Chinese herb in daily life—do you know where it originates? How much do you know about its uses and benefits? Only those who truly love honeysuckle may understand it deeply, as many remain unfamiliar with it. Below, we'll introduce how to cultivate honeysuckle.
Fengqiu, China's renowned origin of honeysuckle, has obtained Geographical Indication (GI) certification.
On January 23, 2003, after two days of rigorous inspection in Fengqiu County, officials from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine announced: "Fengqiu Honeysuckle (Yu Feng Brand) has successfully passed GI certification!"This signifies that Fengqiu honeysuckle has obtained its passport to the international market.
Origin certification is an internationally recognized practice for legally protecting renowned, high-quality, and specialty products, falling under the category of intellectual property protection. Following China's accession to the WTO, origin certification registration has developed rapidly. Nationwide, 89 products have obtained this certification, with Fengqiu honeysuckle being the 19th product in our province to receive origin certification registration.
By the end of last year, honeysuckle cultivation in Fengqiu County had expanded to over 100,000 mu (approximately 16,500 acres), accounting for 11% of the county's arable land. Total output reached 5.5 million kilograms, generating an annual output value of 140 million yuan. This has become a major pillar industry boosting farmers' incomes, and the county has been designated by the National Medical Products Administration as a national honeysuckle production base.Currently, over 80% of the county's honeysuckle is exported to nearly 20 countries and regions including Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. The county has also become a key medicinal source base for renowned domestic enterprises such as Nanjing Jinling Pharmaceutical, Harbin No. 2 Pharmaceutical Factory, and Zhongsheng Pharmaceutical.Honeysuckle, sweet and cold in nature, clears heat from both the qi and blood levels while possessing mild dispersing properties. Thus, it treats exterior syndromes with unresolved surface symptoms and internal heat in cases of wind-heat exogenous pathogens or early-stage warm diseases. It is often combined with forsythia, burdock seed, and mint in applications.
2. For boils, abscesses, and sore throat.Honeysuckle possesses potent heat-clearing and toxin-resolving properties, making it a staple in surgical medicine. It is generally used for swollen, red, hot, and painful sores and abscesses. It is particularly suitable for conditions classified as "yang syndromes" in pattern differentiation. It can be decocted with dandelion, violets, forsythia, moutan bark, and red peony root for internal use, or fresh honeysuckle can be crushed and applied externally.