Hydrangea arborescens

The name hydrangea comes from the Greek word meaning "water vessel", very appropriate due to its action on our water processing organs. Hydrangea is indigenous to the United States where it grows from New York to Florida and then west to Iowa and Oklahoma. Several varieties of hydrangea are cultivated around the world to adorn gardens with their splendor, such as Hydrangea hortensis. This variety is native to North America, although it is widely found in gardens in China and Japan for its aesthetic beauty. Hydrangea macrophylla is of Asian origin and is used medicinally. The Cherokee Indians used hydrangea for kidney and bladder stones and introduced it to the early settlers. It became very popular with the eclectic American herbalists of the 19th century.

Most of hydrangea’s health benefits come from the root, which is usually collected in the fall. The most common use for hydrangea is for the kidneys and bladder because of its effective diuretic quality which helps increase the flow of urine. This takes impurities out of the system and lessens the likelihood of infection along the entire urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, prostate (in men) and urethra. Diuretic herbs like hydrangea are a helpful addition to cleansing programs to assist in the elimination of toxins.

Hydrangea is considered an anti-lithic herb, which prevents stones or gravel from forming in the kidneys and bladder. Anti-lithic herbs can also assist the body in removing stones and gravel from these organs. This was a significant use of hydrangea by Native Americans.

Like most diuretic herbs, hydrangea 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.

This wonderful herb is also known to be a tonic, as it produces a healthy reaction from the kidneys and bladder so that they can function better. When an organ works more efficiently, there is less strain on the entire system so that the rest of the body is rejuvenated.

Other uses for hydrangea include its diaphoretic properties (promoting perspiration and cooling the body) and its influence on the circulatory system. The bark was used by the American Indians externally for wounds, burns, sore muscles and sprains.

Hydrangea is found in herbal combinations and tinctures and is a welcome addition to any herbal program that addresses cleansing, elimination or general conditioning. It is an outstanding herb for those concerned with kidney, bladder, prostate and general urinary tract health. This simple herb can be a major benefit to both your body and your garden.

References:

• Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal Vol. I. Dover Publications, 1982.
• Hoffmann, D. The New Holistic Herbal. Element, 1992.
• Leung, A. & Foster, S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. Wiley-Interscience Publication, 1996.
• Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. C.W. Daniel Company, 1988.

From Winter 1997 Herbal Insights