There is always controversy about finding uses for invasive plants because you don’t necessarily want to turn them into a commodity in their non-native range, but here are two uses for Japanese honeysuckle that I recently learned about:
1. Using extract of honeysuckle as a UV blocking coating on wool clothing. Researchers in China found that an extract of Lonicera japonica may be effective as a UV block on clothing. It is used traditionally in China as a medicine to treat colds and fevers and an ingredient made from honeysuckle is used in cosmetics to keep skin looking younger and as a food preservative.
Sun, S. and R. Tang. 2011. Adsorption and UV protection properties of the extract from honeysuckle onto wool. Industrial and Chemical Engineering Research 50(8):4217-4224. DOI: 10.1021/ie101505q
2. Making an infusion of honeysuckle flowers in vodka. What a great way to stop seed production! Here is one recipe: http://diggineats.blogspot.com/2011/05/infusion.html
