Honeysuckle is one of the 38 healing flower remedies developed by the English physician Edward Bach more than 50 yrs ago. Like other floral remedies, honeysuckle is intended to promote emotional healing - to help patients regain hope and live for the present. It is generally recommended for those who dwell on an idealized past and who obsessively focus on the missed opportunities of life.
True Honeysuckle
The type of honeysuckle that is used to prepare this floral essence belongs to the genus lonicera, which is also called true honeysuckle. The slim petals of the flowers are red on the outside and white on the inside and turn yellow after they are pollinated. This climbing plant, which can grow up to 12 ft high, is well known to hikers and gardeners in many parts of the United states.
Caution : The berries are toxic.
Taking the Remedy
Floral remedies are sold in most health food stores, usually as a bottled flower essence. To make a remedy, a few drops of the flower essence, or a combination of essences are typically mixed with spring water. Sip the mixture several times daily.
The honeysuckle temperament
Honeysuckle's relaxing and revitalizing effect is used to help people overcome a negative outlook on life. The flower can also build powers of concentration and instill optimism about the present and future. Those most likely to benefit are described as having deep regrets about the past. They are also typically unable to overcome the loss of or separation from a loved one and often dwell on happier times. Memories of a romanticized past become the sole source of comfort and joy, and as a result, these people cannot enjoy the present.
Supportive measures
Try to maintain a positive attitude. Say yes to life, yes to the here and now. Sit beside a river and let its steady flow soothe you. Visit a favourite place from your past and let yourself be surprised by the new things you discover there. Find an interesting, creative activity or hobby that requires your attention. Practice deep breathing exercises to help you relax. These simple measures may improve your outlook and help you regain hope and vigour.
Honeysuckle for children
Honeysuckle may aid children who are facing traumatic life changes. It may, for example, help children who are homesick, unable to cope with the separation or divorce of their parents, unsettled by a move into a new house or distraught about entering kinder garden. Such children typically cry a great deal and talk about how much they miss their former situation. In these circumstances, honeysuckle may relieve distress and build a child's confidence.
Extra Tip : Honeysuckle may also help people confront, and move beyond, suppressed painful experiences from the past.
Longing for the past is fear of the future
Wildflower mixture
Honeysuckle is often combined with star of Bethlehem, another floral remedy, for the relief of grief and shock following a death or other tragedy. Add 3 drops of the wildflower mixture to ½ oz. of water. Sip it slowly.
Flower Power
Signs of a blocked mental state
- Glorification of the past
- Homesickness and melancholy
- Unfulfilled longing for the past
- Regrets about missed opportunities
- Inability to overcome grief for a loved one
- Difficulty conducting everyday affairs
- Inability to concentrate, sluggishness
Signs of transformation
- A positive outlook
- Alertness
- Flexible, open minded attitude
- Sharpened ability to remember things
- Initiation of new, creative activities
- Joyful feeling
- Ability to learn from experience
- Optimism about the present and future
