Hydrangea
OTHER NAME(S): Hortensia en Arbre, Hortensia de Virginie, Hortension Arborescent, Mountain Hydrangea, Seven Bark, Sevenbark, Smooth Hydrangea, Tree Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens, Viburnum alnifolium, Viburnum americanum, Hydrangia, Hortensia
Overview
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.
The chemicals in hydrangea may cause increased urine output, which could help some urinary tract problems.
The chemicals in hydrangea may cause increased urine output, which could help some urinary tract problems.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- 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.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with HydrangeaHydrangea 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.
Dosing
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.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Hamid S, Rojter S, Vierling J. Protracted cholestatic hepatitis after the use of Prostata. Ann Intern Med 1997;127:169-70.