Hydrangea

Hydrangea is favored by both folk medicine and Native American medicine for eliminating kidney and bladder stones.

Hydrangea’s antiseptic and diuretic properties have been confirmed; however, further research is still needed to establish how hydrangea works. The herb is believed to promote expulsion of urinary stones, help break down any that remain, and aid in preventing stone formation. In fact, hydrangea may be useful for dissolving various types of objects, including lumps and tumors.

Recent tests show hydrangea can reduce inflammation of the prostate and assist prostate health. Adding horsetail herb can increase the effectiveness.

Herbalists today use hydrangea for many disorders in the genitourinary system, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), calcium deposits, cystitis, dysuria, edema, incontinence, inflammation, prostatitis, tumor development, urethritis, urinary tract infections, and even gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Hydrangea contains bitter compounds which make it a good blood purifier and laxative.

Research indicates hydrangea contains flavonoids, including quercetin and rutin which help reduce inflammation and contribute to the herb’s diuretic properties. Hydrangea also provides saponins, volatile oil, and a cyanogenic glycoside called hydrangein—its activity within the herb has yet to be confirmed.

Hydrangea is a rich source of chromium, manganese, potassium, and silicon, which works with calcium to strengthen bones and connective tissues and has been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis. Hydrangea also contains a fairly high amount of calcium.