What are the contraindications for drinking honeysuckle water?

Generally speaking, although honeysuckle water has certain medicinal value, it is not suitable for everyone. Precautions and contraindications should be observed when consuming it, including avoidance by individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, those suffering from wind-cold感冒 (wind-cold type of common cold), pregnant women who should use it cautiously, infants and young children who should avoid it, and patients with hypothyroidism. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Avoid for those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold

Honeysuckle is inherently cold in nature. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold already have weak digestive function and commonly experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sensitivity to cold. Drinking honeysuckle water may further impair the yang energy of the spleen and stomach due to its cooling properties, worsening gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially increasing the frequency of diarrhea, intensifying abdominal pain, and even affecting normal digestion and nutrient absorption.

2. Avoid for those with wind-cold感冒 (wind-cold type of common cold)

Wind-cold感冒 is caused by external invasion of wind and cold pathogens, with symptoms typically including marked aversion to cold, absence of sweating, clear nasal discharge, and cough with thin, white phlegm. Honeysuckle water is primarily used to relieve heat-related symptoms of wind-heat感冒, such as fever, sore throat, and yellow phlegm. If consumed by someone with wind-cold感冒, it may cause retention of cold pathogens in the body, failing to alleviate symptoms and potentially prolonging the illness, worsening chills and nasal congestion.

3. Pregnant women should use with caution

Pregnant women have a unique physiological state, requiring extra caution when taking medications or herbal beverages. Although honeysuckle is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, it still possesses distinct medicinal properties and a cold nature. Consumption during pregnancy may allow its cooling effects to impact the fetus through the mother. Particularly during the first trimester—when fetal development is most critical—this could increase the risk of physical discomfort. Therefore, pregnant women should only consume honeysuckle water under medical guidance and must not take it casually on their own.

4. Avoid for infants and young children

The internal organs of infants and young children are not yet fully developed, and their spleen and stomach functions are delicate and sensitive. Their tolerance to drugs or cooling beverages is extremely low. The cold nature of honeysuckle water can easily irritate an infant’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive issues such as diarrhea and bloating, and may even interfere with normal physical development. Therefore, it is not recommended to give honeysuckle water to infants and young children.

5. Avoid for patients with hypothyroidism

Patients with hypothyroidism often suffer from insufficient yang energy and slow metabolism, manifesting as symptoms like cold intolerance, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and loose stools. Due to its cold nature, drinking honeysuckle water may further deplete the body's yang energy, worsening symptoms such as cold sensitivity and fatigue, and potentially disrupting thyroid function stability, which is detrimental to disease management.

In addition, care should be taken to avoid long-term or excessive consumption of honeysuckle water. Even for individuals who are generally suitable, prolonged and heavy intake may impair the body’s yang energy due to its cooling nature. During consumption, a light diet is recommended, and spicy or greasy foods should be avoided to prevent adverse interactions and ensure optimal bodily response to honeysuckle water.