When it comes to medicinal uses, Japanese honeysuckle vine (Ren Dong Teng in mandarin) seems not as high-profile as honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua). But initially the medicinal part was not flowers but stems, according to the Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians), an ancient medical book written around 520 A.D. and compiled by Tao Hongjing. And there it was rated as one of the top-grade herbs. In addition, Li Shizhen also commented in Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) that the stem, leaf, and flower of honeysuckle are with the same healing properties. However, today honeysuckle vines and honeysuckle flowers are used separately as two different herbs. The former one is good at treating rheumatic diseases since it can dispel wind and remove obstruction in the meridians while the latter is specialized at healing infectious diseases because it can clear away heat and toxic materials.

Medicinally it mainly refers to the dried stems with leaves of Lonicera japonica Thunb., which is one of flowering vines in the family caprifoliaceae. But sometimes it also means other honeysuckle vine varieties – L. confusa (Sweet) DC., L. hypoglauca Miq., or L.fuluotomentosa Hsu et S.C.Chneg. Hence, it is also known as Caulis Lonicerae in Latin name. It is usually reaped in autumn and winter. And following steps are to remove the impurities, bind them in bundles or roll into a group, and dry in the sun.

HONEYSUCKLE VINE HEALTH BENEFITS 
Fresh or dried honeysuckle vine can be used for a variety of complaints clinically, especially eczema in babies, arthritis and rheumatism, cough, and more.

Eczema in babies is a common skin condition and it is hard to relieve although steroid ointment or cream, as well as an emollient have been applied according to the advice from doctors. In this case, bathing with honeysuckle decoction can be a good remedy, which will completely eradicate eczema over time. More importantly, it won't harm the baby's skin. 

It is also a drug commonly used to treat arthritis. Clinically it has a certain effect on reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis pain, gouty arthritis, etc. Even more important, it is of cold in nature and with no side effects, which is quite rare and commendable among so many herbs of dispelling wind and removing obstruction in the meridians. In addition, honeysuckle-based herbal recipes works for joint and muscle aches in diseases like Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's Syndrome, and Dermatomyositis.

Honeysuckle Vine

Flavonoids like galuteolin and luteolin have a better therapeutic effect on chronic bronchitis. And honeysuckle happens to contain these two ingredients. As a result, it is antitussive and expectorant too. Generally honeysuckle alone is not used for chronic cough. But when used it in combination with other herbs, it can play important roles in the treatment of immune disease accompanied with interstitial pneumonia, secondary infection, and chronic cough.

HONEYSUCKLE VINE RECIPES ON HERBAL REMEDIES 
The Chinese Materia Medica tends to think that it is sweet in flavor and cold in nature. It covers meridians of heart and lung. Normal functions are clearing heat, removing toxicity, and dredging collaterals. Common honeysuckle vine uses and indications include fever in febrile disease, boils and carbuncles, heat-toxicity induced dysentery with bloody stool, and wind-damp-heat rheumatism. Recommended dosage is from 10 to 30 grams in decoction. In addition, it is also used in pills, powder, or soaked wine.

1) Shen Xiao Tuo Li San from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulas of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). It is combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) to treat carbuncle on the back, appendicitis, acute mastitis, swelling of unknown origin, etc.

2) Ren Dong Jiu from Wai Ke Jing Yao (Essence of Diagnosis and Treatment of External Diseases). It is coupled with Licorice to cure all deep-rooted carbuncles.

3) Ren Dong Gao from Qian Kun Sheng Yi Mi Yun. It is formulated with Xi Tie Shi (magnet), sesame oil, and Huang Dan (yellow lead) to heal all sorts of pain, metal-inflicted wound, and malignant sores.