Hydrangea is a commonly prescribed herbal remedy for a variety of health complaints. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician, expert herbalist and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," writes that hydrangea is an herbal medication that contains several key active constituents and offers numerous health benefits. If you are considering using hydrangea to help treat your ailments, first talk with a qualified health care professional to see if this herb is right for you.
Plant Information
Hydrangea is a flowering plant indigenous to North America, South America and various Asian countries, including Indonesia, China and Japan. The flowers of this plant -- which can be white, red, pink, blue or purple -- bloom from the beginning of spring until the end of autumn. Important nutrients contained in the roots and rhizomes of this plant include selenium, zinc and potassium. You should avoid consuming the leaves of the hydrangea plant, as they contain cyanide, a known toxin.
Herb Actions
Master herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that hydrangea is responsible for many important health actions. Hydrangea, writes Smith, acts as a soothing diuretic and tonic to the mucus membranes lining the genitourinary structures. This herb also helps relieve pain in the kidneys, urethra and bladder. Hydrangea is used to prevent the formation of kidney stones and reduce the irritation associated with existing stones. This herb may also reduce irritation in respiratory passages.
Herb Uses
There are numerous health applications for hydrangea. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," hydrangea is useful in treating cystitis, kidney disease and prostate problems. Other conditions this herb may effectively treat include frequent urination associated with sharp pain, inflammation of the respiratory tract, burning pain in the bladder or urinary tract or discomfort following labor.
Considerations
Because of its many health actions, uses and benefits, hydrangea may be an effective herb in treating your ailments and improving your health. Most people who use hydrangea may experience some degree of health benefits, although you should always review herb-related topics with a qualified health care provider before ingesting herbs. Some herbs may cause unanticipated side effects or may interfere with the prescription medications you may already be taking.
References
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell, Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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