Hydrangea arborescens
Part Used: Dried root
Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is marsh or aquatic plant, and hence the name is derived from a Greek compound signifying water-vessel. Hydrangea grows up to 3m tall and is found in woodland and along stream banks in south-eastern and central North America. The root is the part of the Hydrangea plant that is used internally for medicinal purposes, and fresh root can be dug in the fall and used as syrup with honey and sugar, or simply steeped in water and drunk as a tea.
The roots of Hydrangea have been found to contain two resins, gum, sugar, starch, albumen, soda, lime potassa, magnesia, sulphuric and phosphoric acids, a protosalt of iron, and a glucoside, Hydrangin. The roots are anthelmintic, cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and tonic. They are used in the treatment of kidney stones, mucous irritations of the bladder, cystitis, nephritis, enlarged prostate and bronchial afflictions. However, excessive doses can cause dizziness and bronchial congestion. Hydrangea's greatest use is in the treatment of inflamed or enlarged prostate glands. It may also be used for urinary stones or gravel associated with infections such as cystitis.
References:
Botanical.Com. http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hydran45.html
Purple Sage Botanicals. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/hydrangea.htm
Plants for a Future. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Hydrangea+arborescens
