Honeysuckle is a shrub or vine herb that is native to Eurasia and is widely cultivated in North America. Its sweet-scented flowers attract hummingbirds and are used for aesthetic purposes. It is a vigorous climber and makes for a dense ground cover plant. It is also an excellent source of food for wildlife. Honeysuckle comes in several varieties, some are edible, while others are not. Some varieties are used in teas and beverages. Several species of honeysuckle are considered invasive in the United States, Japanese honeysuckle is classified as a pest plant on the New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord.
Honeysuckle flower extract has been used in Chinese medicine for many years. Modern research has confirmed the benefits of this extract, which contains 140 different compounds. It is rich in chlorogenic acid, a polyphenol that is thought to be the main bioactive compound of the flower. It offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, is believed to have cleansing and purifying properties, is also used in aromatherapy to treat colds and headaches. Honeysuckle is also used as an ingredient in skin care products.