Botanical Name
- Family Hydrangeaceae
- Hydrangea arborescens
Common Names
- Wild Hydrangea, Seven Barks
Cautions
- None listed.
Description
Indigenous to the eastern US as far south as Florida, the hydrangea is a woody-stemmed deciduous shrub, growing to a height of about ten feet, producing oval leaves and clusters of small creamy-white flowers, thriving in woodlands and on riverbanks. The root is unearthed in autumn.
History
The Cherokee used the plant as a remedy for kidney and bladder stones.
The 19th century Physiomedicalist herbal movement used a formula comprising of hydrangea, couch grass, and hollyhock to treat serious kidney disorders, including nephritis.
Key Actions
- diuretic
Key Components
- saponins
- flavonoids
- volatile oil
- a cyanogenic glycoside (hydrangein)
Medicinal Parts
- Roots, rhizomes
Traditional Uses
It is used mainly in the treatment of urinary tract conditions, particulary kidney and bladder stones. It is thought to encourage the expulsion of the stones and to help dissolve those that remain.
The herb is also given for other conditions affecting the genitourinary system, including cystitis, urethritis, enlarged prostate, and prostatitis.
