Basic Introduction to LuoTian Honeysuckle
LuoTian Honeysuckle is a specialty product of Luotian County, Hubei Province. Located at the southern foot of Dabie Mountain, LuoTian County has a moderate climate with abundant rainfall, rich in honeysuckle resources, distinctive appearance, intense fragrance, and high effective components. It was awarded protection as a Chinese Geographical Indication product in 2011.
Nutritional Value
1. Anti-pathogenic microorganism effect. It has inhibitory effects on various pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Escherichia coli, dysentery Bacillus, Vibrio cholerae, typhoid bacillus, paratyphoid bacillus, etc.
2. It has antibacterial and bactericidal effects on pneumococcus, meningococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, tubercle bacilli, Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus mutans, etc., and inhibitory effects on Influenza virus, orphan virus, herpes virus, leptospira.
3. Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, it has a strong effect in dispersing abscesses and reducing swelling, clearing heat and detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory for carbuncles, enteritis, and lung abscess.
4. Heat-dispersing and pathogen-repelling effects, it has certain effects on exogenous wind-heat or the initial stages of febrile diseases, fever, headache, irritability, insomnia, dark red tongue, dry throat, and dry mouth.
5. Cooling blood and stopping dysentery effects, it is effective against heat-toxic dysentery, bloody dysentery, wet-heat obstruction, and Sore throat.
6. Honeysuckle tea tastes sweet, is cold in nature, and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispersing wind-heat. Honeysuckle can clear heat and detoxify, soothe the throat, relieve summer heat and anxiety. It can be used to treat summer heat syndrome, diarrhea, influenza, carbuncles, acute and chronic Tonsillitis, periodontal disease, etc.
Product Characteristics
Sensory characteristics: Golden yellow, the color is slightly deeper than other varieties of honeysuckle; calyx is small, calyx tube ≥2mm, hairless, corolla is bilabiate, flower bud is 3-5cm long; intensely fragrant.
Preparation Method
1. Harvesting Period: White bud stage, pick early in the morning, and finish before sunset.
2. Post-harvest Handling: Do not stack after harvest. Spread out on stones or bamboo mats for sun-drying, or dry in a furnace. Moisture content should not exceed 12%.
Ways to Enjoy LuoTian Honeysuckle
1. For external wind-heat or the initial stages of febrile diseases. Commonly used in combination with Forsythia, Arctium, Mentha, etc.
2. For carbuncles, abscesses, and sore throat. Can be combined with Taraxacum, Houttuynia, Forsythia, Cortex Moutan, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, etc. for internal decoction, or fresh ones can be crushed and applied externally.
3. For bloody dysentery caused by heat-toxin (blood and mucus in the stool). When heat-toxin accumulates in the intestines and enters the blood, it causes bloody dysentery. Clinically, honeysuckle is often stir-fried until charred and combined with Scutellaria, Coptis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, and Portulaca.