Luxuriously sweet, this bell-shaped flower stores ambrosial nectar within its bulb; the honeysuckle (The Old name, woodbine described for its twisting/binding nature) has long been regarded as a symbol of affection, fidelity, and one of pure happiness. In addition, it conveys messages of sweetness and affection, thanks to the sweet-smelling aroma. The sturdy stems of honeysuckle have been used to make rope as far back as the Bronze Age, and in parts of Britain are still made into bridles and harnesses for pack ponies. Victorian girls were not allowed to bring honeysuckle into the home because it was believed to cause dreams that were far too risqué for their delicate sensibilities. In Shakespeare’s time, he uses these associations in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Oberon, the king of the fairies, is jealous of his wife Titania’s wayward affections and plans revenge. While she slept, he anointed her eyes with the juice of a flower called love-in-idleness, (wild pansy) so that she will fall in love with the first person she sees. Oberon paints a description.
“I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,
Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,
With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,
Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight”…Act II, Scene 1
Oberon’s plan works: the enchanted Titania falls in love with Bottom, a bewitched human who now has the head of an ass. She bids him:
“Sleep now, and I will wind thee in my arms…
So doth the woodbine, the sweet honeysuckle
Gently entwist”…Act IV, Scene 1
Honeysuckle Medicinally: For centuries the honeysuckle has been popular, and not only for its fragrance. Some people during medieval times raised the vines for medicinal purposes in their castle gardens. It is also noted that honeysuckle was made into “distilled water” or perfume from the petals and the blooms were used in preserves, that was said to be beneficial to one’s health. In rural areas, the leaves were crushed and applied to bee stings to reduce soreness. The leaves and flowers of the honeysuckle are rich in salicylic acid, and were once used to treat headaches, colds, flu, fever, aches, pains, arthritis and rheumatism.
In Aromatherapy- People make potpourri with the leaves and flowers, and put the concentrated essence of the plant in candles, incense, perfume, soap, and bath products. We are working hard to incorporate a touch of honeysuckle in our Signature Scent.
Dye. The colorful flowers can also be used as a natural dye, in food or cosmetics. Environmentally. The bright, nectar-filled blossoms attract namely hummingbirds but bees and butterflies as well.
Do NOT use honeysuckle berries as they are very poisonous.
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