Honeysuckle (Grade A Honeysuckle) (Thick at the top and thin at the bottom, rod-shaped, yellowish-white or light green, corolla has pubescent calyx which is green)

Honeysuckle (Inferior Grade)

【Naming】

Honeysuckle

 【Source】

Recorded in “Bielu” as a superior herb

 【Common Usage Level】

B

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. from the Caprifoliaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

It is an unopened dried flower bud, which is long and rod-shaped, slightly curved, about 2~3 cm long, and the upper part is thicker, about 1.5~3 mm in diameter. The surface is yellow or brownish-yellow, covered with short villi and glandular hairs. The base has green, small sepals, 5-lobed, triangular lobes, glabrous. When the flower bud is dissected, 5 stamens and 1 pistil can be seen. The corolla is labiate, and the stamens and pistil extend out like whiskers. It has a fragrant aroma and a slightly bitter taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality is unopened flowers, yellowish-white in color, large and plump, with a clear and fragrant taste, and free of mold, insect damage, stems, leaves, and other impurities.

 【Identification Terminology】

1. Jian Zi Yin Hua (尖子銀花): Refers to Honeysuckle medicinal material with small flowers and unopened tips, of good quality.
2. Ding Shou (頂手): A distinguishing characteristic of Mi Yin Hua (密銀花, Dense Honeysuckle). Because its flower buds are fleshy and thick, they become hard after drying, giving a “Ding Shou” feeling (a firm, resistant feel) when held.

 【Category】

Flower Category