Honeysuckle Herbal Side Effects

Honeysuckle is a plant found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North and South America. There are currently over 180 known varieties of the plant. Also called woodbine, it is used as an herbal remedy to treat a wealth of medical conditions and problems. The leaves, stems and flowers are used either alone, or with other natural materials, to produce these remedies. There are side effects that can occur from taking honeysuckle, some of which can be very serious. It is always best to discuss taking any herbal supplement or remedy with a physician to help prevent serious side effects.

Blood Clotting and Bruising

• Honeysuckle may cause problems with blood clotting and use should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to any type of surgery. Taking medications such as warfarin for blood thinning, combined with honeysuckle, can increase your chances for bruising and bleeding. Other medications that honeysuckle may interact with are ibuprofen, Plavix and aspirin. You should consult with your physician before taking honeysuckle as an herbal supplement with any of these medications.

Gastrointestinal Upset

• There have been several cases of reported gastrointestinal upset and stomach cramps from taking honeysuckle. Naturopathy Digest recommends that anyone already experiencing stomach problems or upset not take honeysuckle. These problems can become worse if a honeysuckle supplement is used. It is also not recommended for persons experiencing any problems with the spleen.

Poisoning

• The leaves and stems of the honeysuckle plant contain saponins, a chemical that is not absorbed well by humans and is toxic. This chemical can be lethal to other species. There have been widespread reports of the plant poisoning young children who have ingested too much honeysuckle.

Contact Dermatitis

• People with sensitive skin may find themselves with a rash or hives from using honeysuckle as a topical remedy. Allergic reactions to this plant are not uncommon in people. Cases of contact dermatitis have been reported by people who have come into contact with the plant, which causes blisters to appear on the affected area.