- Region
- North America
- Origin
- North America
North America · Herb · № 306
Hydrangea arborescens
Herb · North America
Smooth hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens
Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic, laxative, stimulates the kidneys.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine: Not in pregnancy; high blood pressure needs a doctor.
Preparation
The dried root as a decoction or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The Cherokee used the root for kidney stones and bladder complaints and the bark as a poultice on burns. Eclectic physicians prescribed smooth hydrangea for gravel and stones in the urinary tract. The English nickname seven barks refers to the bark, which peels off in thin layers.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Diuretic, laxative, stimulates the kidneys.
Preparation and amount
Rhizome, root.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Diuretic, laxative, tonic; for kidney and bladder stones, lower back pain, oedema and frequent urination, prostatitis, eczema from fluid retention.
Preparation and amount
Decoction of the root: 1–2 tsp per cup, 3–5 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Cherokee (Tsalagi) medicine
Attributed effects
For stomach trouble and high blood pressure, against vomiting in children, as a poultice for burns, swellings, sprains and sore muscles.
Preparation and amount
Chew the bark; the scraped bark as a poultice.
Caution: Not in pregnancy; high blood pressure needs a doctor.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureCompress, poultice and paste