Guest Writer for Wake Up World
The hydrangea plant is an herbaceous, perennial shrub recognized by its beautiful white, snowball-shaped blooms. A popular ornamental, botanical, and horticultural plant, there are over twenty varieties of hydrangea worldwide. The most popular variety, Macrophylla, is a bluish-bloomed flowering plant found in the United States and Asia and appreciated for its aesthetic and health-promoting qualities.
An Ancient Healing Plant
There are four to five varieties predominant to North America, with the Arborescens being the most coveted for its therapeutic properties. “Smooth hydrangea” and “seven bark” are two commonly-associated names for this hydrangea variety. Found in damp conditions along the East Coast, this wild hydrangea has been used for years as a healing remedy for many health issues. It was an esteemed herbal remedy among the Cherokee Native Americans as well as settlers in the colonial era for kidney stones.[1]
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”110028″]
Reported Benefits
Hydrangea is a lithotrophic, diuretic, and tonic herb. Lithotrophic herbs are known for their action against stones. As a diuretic, hydrangea may help increase urine flow. It is believed by many traditional healers that hydrangea supports kidney function by helping waste removal and hormone secretion.
Hydrangin, a naturally-occurring phytochemical solvent in hydrangea, has long been theorized as being the primary constituent that makes the plant effective against kidney stones. Other therapeutic phytochemicals in hydrangea include flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin.[2] A mineral-rich plant, hydrangea contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and sulfur and its minerals are believed to contribute to a vital state of health.
Many people consume the herb for therapeutic benefit by steeping the root and rhizomes in boiling water for three to five minutes and straining the mixture to make a tea. Many teas and tinctures containing hydrangea include other herbal extracts that also promote kidney health, such as gravel root, dandelion, uva ursi, and chanca piedra.
Do you have experience with hydrangea? Please leave a comment below and share your experience!
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
Updated August 2014
Article References:
- Laidley, J. On Hydrangea arborescens. Amer. J. Pharm., o.s. 18 (1852): 13-30.
- Marius Rademaker. Occupational contact dermatitis to hydrangea. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. (2003) 44, 220-221.
Previous articles by Dr. Group:
- 8 Shocking Health Effects from the Fukushima Disaster
- Ten Shocking Facts about Mercury Amalgam
- 10 Shocking Facts about the Health Dangers of Wi-Fi
- The 9 Best Herbs for Lung Cleansing and Respiratory Support
- 7 Best Foods to Support Kidney Function
- How to Flush the Liver
- Lung Cleansing With Peppermint Oil
- The Benefits of Organic Hemp Milk + How to Make Your Own
- What is Azodicarbonamide? 9 Facts About This Dangerous Food Additive
- 8 Must-Know Facts About Fukushima Nuclear Radiation
- Nine Shocking Dangers of Fluoride Exposure
- 10 Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones
- 12 Shocking Facts About the Dangers of Psychiatric Drugs
- Seven Facts You May Not Know About Coconut Oil
About the author:
Dr. Edward F. Group (DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM) founded Global Healing Center in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Heading up the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.
Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the internet.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”110027″]
