Hydrangea was used widely by the Cherokee Indians and, later, European settlers to treat stones in the urinary tract. It is known to help remove uric acid from the body, cleanse the kidneys, and soften deposits. It aids in the passage of stones and helps prevent their reoccurrence. It also deters infection, soothes inflammation, and strengthens the capillaries.
Botanical Name
Hydrangea arborescens
Part Used
Root
Common Names
Wild Hydrangea, Seven-barks.
Brief History
Hydrangea is an old native North American remedy for urinary stones, adopted by settlers and later established in herbal medicine. Native Americans made a decoction of the roots and other plant materials and gave it to women who had unusual dreams during their menstrual periods. There are some references to the use of Hydrangea root by Native Americans, especially the Cherokee tribe, for calculous diseases.
Constituents
Therapeutic Properties
Cathartic, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, lithotriptic, sialagogue, stomachic, tonic.
Vitalist Properties
Temperature: Cool
Moisture: Moist
Therapeutic Indications
Cystitis. Urethritis. Urinary calculi. Prostatitis and enlarged prostate gland.
Primary Uses
Urinary Stones and Prostatitis
It treats fluid retention and stone formation in the kidneys and bladder. It is also used for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and edema. It also is excellent for chronic penile discharge in men and mucosal urinary irritation in the aged. It is also used to decrease pain and inflammation in the urinary tract and when stones are passed. It’s used in combination with other herbs to treat inflamed and enlarged prostates. The roots have a laxative effect. Hydrangea contains a substance called rutin which is valuable in decreasing capillary fragility and reducing the incidence of recurrent hemorrhages.
Dosage (Divided Daily)
• Dried Powder: 6,000 – 12,000mg
• Liquid Extract: 2 – 7mL (1:2 liquid extract)
Contraindications
None known
Side effects
Overdose can cause vertigo and stuffiness in the chest
Interactions with other drugs
None known
Bibliography
- British Herbal Medicine Association. Scientific Committee. (1983). British herbal pharmacopoeia (Consolidated ed.). West Yorkshire: British Herbal Medicine Association.
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Chevallier, A. (2000). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine (2nd American ed.). New York: DK Pub.
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Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: herbal formulations for the individual patient. St. Louis, MI: Churchill Livingstone.
- Herbalpedia (2013)
- Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine: the ultimate multidisciplinary reference to the amazing realm of healing plants, in a quick-study, one-stop guide. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub.
- Tierra, M., & Frawley, D. (1988). Planetary Herbology: an integration of Western herbs into the traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems (1st ed.). Twin Lakes, Wis.: Lotus Press.
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