Health & Well-Being A-Z

Hydrangea

Hydrangea plant
Description

Hydrangea is a shrub. It grows in eastern and north-central parts of the United States. The root and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine.

People use hydrangea for bladder infections, prostate infections, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Hydrangea might also be unsafe when used in large amounts.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Insufficient evidence
  • Enlarged prostate.
  • Prostate infections.
  • Bladder infections.
  • Urethral infections.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Hay fever.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of hydrangea for these uses.

Is it Safe?

Action

The chemicals in hydrangea may cause increased urine output, which could help some urinary tract problems.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Hydrangea is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. Doses of more than 2 grams of dried hydrangea root might cause dizziness and feelings of tightness in the chest. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hydrangea root is safe in lower doses. It might irritate the stomach and intestines.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if hydrangea is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Drug interactions

Lithium

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Hydrangea might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking hydrangea might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of hydrangea depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hydrangea. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Hortensia, Hortensia en Arbre, Hortensia de Virginie, Hortension Arborescent, Hydrangea arborscens, Mountain Hydrangea, Seven Bark, Sevenbark, Smooth Hydrangea, Tree Hydrangea, Viburnum alnifolium, Viburnum americanum, Wild Hydrangea.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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