Hydrangea is a plant. The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used to make medicine.
Contents
Uses
Hydrangea is used for urinary tract problems such as infections of the bladder, urethra and prostate; enlarged prostate; and kidney stones. It is also used for hay fever.
Benefits
The most common use for hydrangea is for the kidneys and bladder because of its effective diuretic property which helps increase the flow of urine. This removes impurities from the system and lessens the likelihood of infection along the entire urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, prostate (in men) and urethra.
Hydrangea, like chanca piedra, is also considered an antilithic herb, which prevents stones or gravel from forming in the kidneys and bladder. As an antilithic herb, it can also assist the body in removing stones and gravel from these organs. This was a primary use of hydrangea by Native Americans– a sort of kidney detox.
Like most diuretic herbs, hydrangea root or root tea is an excellent choice for treating inflamed or enlarged prostate glands. It is commonly combined with horsetail for this purpose. Maintaining healthy urine flow keeps the prostate less likely to constrict around the urethra, which prevents stagnant urine from causing more infection. This can also reduce inflammation by eliminating impurities from the prostate.
Cautions
Hydrangea is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for only a few days. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and chest tightness.
It’s LIKELY UNSAFE to use more than 2 grams of dried hydrangea rhizome/root at a time. It is also LIKELY UNSAFE to use hydrangea for long period of time.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking hydrangea if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
- Lithium interacts with HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking hydrangea might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Other names
Hortensia, Hortensia en Arbre, Hortensia de Virginie, Hortension Arborescent, Hydrangea arborscens, Mountain Hydrangea, Seven Barks, Smooth Hydrangea, Viburnum alnifolium, Viburnum americanum, Wild Hydrangea
Reference
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-663-hydrangea.aspx?activeingredientid=663
Jonbarron, http://jonbarron.org/herbal-library/nutraceuticals/hydrangea-root#.VrSYXrKLQgs