Hydrangea 5:1

History and Uses:
Hydrangea is found in woodlands and along streambanks in southeastern and central North America, and may reach a height of nine feet. Hydrangeas are marsh or aquatic plants, and, hence, its name is derived from a Greek compound signifying "water-vessel." The folk name, "Seven Barks," was used in reference to the fact that when the bark peels off,

it does so in several layers of various colors. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the dried root, rhizome and leaves. Cherokee Indians used a root decoction or tea as a diuretic, cathartic and emetic. They also scraped the bark and made a poultice for wounds, burns, sore muscles, sprains and tumors and chewed the bark for stomach problems and heart trouble. Hydrangea has been used for hundreds of years in folk medicine to contribute to the elimination of deposits in the bladder and kidneys. A decoction of Hydrangea was used by early American settlers for calculus. This herb is valued for its solvent properties that help break down and prevent further formation of stones and deposits in the urinary system and soothes irritated mucus membranes. This herb will also relieve backache caused by kidney problems. For kidney stones, Hydrangea is often combined with Stone Root, Bearberry and Gravel Root. Hydrangea is well recognized in the treatment of inflamed or enlarged prostate glands. For prostate problems, it combines well with Horsetail and Saw Palmetto. The primary chemical constituents of Hydrangea include glycosides (hydrangin), saponins, resins, rutin, essential oils and flavonoids. It contains no tannins. Indications for which Hydrangea is typically used include frequent urination, accompanied by a sense of burning and sharp, quick pain in the urethra. Other possible indications are thought to include the relief of pain from the irritation of passing renal sand, and aching in the back with irritation and partial suppression of urine.