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Medicinal Uses for Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas (hydrangea arborescens) belong to a group of flowering shrubs and woody climbers. Mostly deciduous, a few of the species are evergreen. Hydrangeas are native to the Himalayas, South and North America, and eastern and central Asia. According to the Methods of Healing website, the Cherokee people have used hydrangea for medicinal purposes, and traditional Chinese medicine also utilizes it. Dried rhizomes and roots are the parts commonly used.

  1. Immune System

    • Substances from the root of the hydrangea are an alternative treatment for immune system problems, according to the Methods of Healing website. These immune system problems include psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, arthritis and certain types of diabetes. Scientists believe the root has substances capable of combating conditions affecting the immune system.

    Orphan Drug Status

    • Researchers have found that halofuginone, the medication from the roots of the hydrangea, keeps the body from producing the harmful white blood cells often associated with immune system diseases. Halofuginone has FDA Orphan Drug Status--a designation intended to encourage research and development--for use in the treatment of scleroderma. Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting connective tissues, which in turn, increases the production of collagen type 1. Excess amounts of collagen can lead to disfigurement and can be deadly, according to the Methods of Healing website.

    Decoctions

    • Hydrangeas is also beneficial as a decoction, according to the Botanical website. Medicinally it works as a tonic, diuretic and a cathartic. The extract will relieve alkaline urine and mucous irritation of the bladder.

    Additional Uses

    • According to the Herbal Extracts Plus website, hydrangea has long been used for promoting the health of the prostate and the urinary tract. Hydrangea fights infection and helps treat cystitis, prostatitis and urethritis. The root stimulates the kidneys to release fluid and prevent formation of gravel. The root works as a blood cleanser for the treatment of lymphatic conditions. Additionally, hydrangea relieves the swelling caused by arthritis, gout and edema, and helps relieve chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

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