Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) is a group of flowering shrubs or vines. Honeysuckles are described as having sweet-smelling yellow, pink, or white flowers. There are varieties of species that grow around the world, mainly in temperate climates. They are often confused with other plants, like woodbine, American ivy, and gelsemium.
Honeysuckles are extremely beneficial. They have also been used as a source of herbal treatment, among other things.
Can Pigs eat Honeysuckle?
Yes, giving your pigs some honeysuckle is fine, as long as it is in moderation. They can be added to your pig's food or given to them as treats. Not all honeysuckle berries are safe to consume, this is why you should ensure that you choose the right species of honeysuckle to feed your pigs. As mentioned earlier, honeysuckles are nutritious. Thus, they do not only serve as treats, but they would also provide your pets with several beneficial nutrients.
HoneySuckles and Their Benefits
There’s more to this lovely flower than its sweet taste and amazing aroma or fragrance. Keep reading to find out more.
- Honeysuckles contain some essential oils as well as antioxidants such as quercetin. As you might have already known, antioxidants' job is to destroy free and harmful radicals in the body. Essential oils, on the other hand, are known to help with pain and inflammation. They also help with mood-boosting.
- Another key benefit of honeysuckle is that it can be used for indigestion, bacterial or viral infections, the common cold, and many other conditions. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting these uses.
- Honeysuckle is impressively healthy and mood-boosting.
Natural Scent
The natural scent of honeysuckles can be used as an amazing natural perfume. Honeysuckles cannot only be eaten by your pigs but they can also be added to your pig’s bathing water, and they would love it.
They can also be added to other cleaning products, diffusers, and linen sprays.
Oral Health
Aside from the nutritional benefits your pigs would get from eating honeysuckles, they would also share better oral health. Honeysuckles can sometimes serve as an ingredient in natural gargles and mouthwashes due to their astringent and antibacterial properties. Great! Therefore, to create a homemade mouthwash, you can combine and boil two cups of water with a half cup of fresh honeysuckle leaves.
Diabetes
A research study in 2015 reveals how honeysuckle may hold the potential to help people with type II diabetes. This research tested animals. Animals like rats were used as specimens, and positive results were observed. After four weeks of this treatment, there were increased high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in the animal subjects. Overall, the study results show the anti-diabetic effects of honeysuckle in type 2 diabetic rats.
Arthritis
Animals and humans with arthritis are also not left out of the benefits of these honeysuckles. It appears that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of honeysuckles make them a natural remedy that may be able to help people suffering from arthritis.
Studies have been done on animal subjects with arthritis and suppression in the production of inflammatory enzymes in the spleen was observed.
Drawbacks
Of course, there would be some expected drawbacks from honeysuckle. Such as whether or not it can be poisonous.
To conclude this, Caution is generally advised when ingesting the leaves or stems of honeysuckles. This is linked to the presence of a chemical called saponins in honeysuckle, which when taken in large amounts, can be very dangerous.
While honeysuckles are not generally considered to be toxic, it is however important to make sure you and your pets avoid consuming any of the poisonous species of honeysuckles.
In addition, If you believe you or your pet has consumed a poisonous plant of any variety, you should immediately seek emergency medical care.
Some Symptoms of honeysuckle poisoning include:
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- irregular heartbeat
- and vomiting.
Where to Find Honeysuckle and How to Grow them?
Just in case you do not have much access to fresh honeysuckle in your country. You can settle for some dried varieties which can be found in some Asian markets or online herb suppliers. Health stores are also another place you may find honeysuckle in the form of powders, infusions, and decoctions.
Growing honeysuckles from scratch are also quite easy. There are two main types of honeysuckle, the climber or vine, and the honeysuckle bush/shrub. The climbers do well in fertile and moist yet well-drained soil. They will produce more flowers if the top of the vine is in full sun. A honeysuckle shrub also does well in well-drained soil. They can also be planted in full sun or partial shade.
Also, If you don’t have a lot of room, some varieties of honeysuckle can grow well in containers as long as they get enough water and plant food.
What honeysuckle is edible?
For some curious readers. This is a short list of some safe honeysuckle specie
They include:
Lonicera japonica Lonicera periclymenum, and - Loniceraclosea.
Risks and Side Effects of Honeysuckle
At this present moment, there is no standard dosage of honeysuckle. The appropriate dose however depends upon several factors, including a user’s health status.
It is also not very advisable to feed honeysuckle to pregnant pigs. Before you do so, consult a veterinarian.
According to WebMD, It is recommended to stop using honeysuckle at least two weeks before any form of surgery because it is said to slow blood clotting. Therefore it is important to inform the doctor about your animal's honeysuckle intake.
If Pigs Cannot Take Honeysuckles, Can Other Animals?
Aside from pigs, honeysuckles are also poisonous to dogs. Every part of this plant is highly toxic to dogs. Other animals like cats, chickens, and so on are also vulnerable to this plant.
Final thoughts: Can Pigs Eat Honeysuckle?
Yes, pigs can eat honeysuckle, but in moderation. It is however important to check the species of honeysuckle before feeding them to your pigs. This is because some species of honeysuckle are not safe for your pig's consumption.
On the other side, the right species of honeysuckle are good for the health of your pigs as they would provide your pigs with several health benefits.
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