Hydrangea root, also known as Hydrangea arborescens L, is a grayish root gotten from the hydrangea plant. Hydrangea plant is commonly called seven barks (owing to the various layers of colored bark on the outside of the root).
The herb is native to North America and parts of Asia and is used in traditional medicine. Hydrangea flower and its above-ground parts contain certain potent components that make it a popular medicinal herb. Some of these potent components include alkaloids and other active antioxidant compounds, such as kaempferol, saponins, and quercetin. Although there are over 75 different species of hydrangea across the world, due to its immune-boosting properties, the arborescent species is often used for medicinal purposes.
There is a host of ways to use hydrangea root for medicinal purposes, but the most common involves using the dried root in the form of a tea or sugar syrup. It comes in the form of liquid extracts, powder, tinctures, and capsule forms.
The Health Benefits of Hydrangea Root
Let’s take a look at the impressive health benefits of hydrangea root.
Contains Antioxidant Properties
Hydrangea root extract possesses amazing antioxidant properties that can improve overall health and safeguard against a number of health conditions. Owing to the fact that free radicals can cause damage to cells, it is necessary to find a balance to get antioxidants into the body as possible. In fact, antioxidants can help protect the body against oxidative stress and also slow down certain signs that the body is aging.
According to studies, the hydrangea root is a very potent antioxidant that is more effective than milk thistle and turmeric combined. With the powerful antioxidant found in turmeric, you can imagine the potential benefits of hydrangea root.
Treats Kidney Stones
One of the well-known benefits of hydrangea root is its ability to help treat painful gallbladder and kidney stones. The root contains what is known as antilithic abilities, which means that it can help dissolve the deposits of calcium not needed in the body.
As it concerns teeth and bones, calcification is essential. However, when soft tissues calcify, it leads to painful health, including gallstones and kidney stones. Hydrangea root is also used traditionally to help eliminate these deposits of calcium from the kidney and the gallbladder and also to remove soft tissue calcification.
You must, however, understand that softening and dissolving these stones happens gradually with the aid of a compound called hydrangin. This compound is a glycoside present in hydrangea root. When the stones have softened, it relieves the pain and can pass with considerable ease without leading to any further damage.
Studies suggest that hydrangea root can help dissolve painful kidney stones in patients who were suffering badly from sharp kidney stones that could pierce the ureter. After being treated with hydrangea root, these painful stones were excreted naturally without resulting in any more damage. When it is dissolved, the pain and inflammation associated with the herb are significantly eased and the stones can be excreted more comfortably.
Effective for Autoimmune Disorders
According to a study, hydrangea root has the ability to treat a variety of autoimmune issues including lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. It may also help with common skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Autoimmune disorders are extremely common and occur when the immune system overreacts, attacking the body’s own healthy cells.
The discovery that the plant may be an effective treatment for autoimmune disorders came as a significant breakthrough for scientist since all other treatments work by suppressing the immune system. Of course, by suppressing the body’s immune system, the risk of illness and infection is increased.
Treats Urinary Tract Disorders
Although there is no scientific evidence to back it up, hydrangea root has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries to treat urinary tract and bladder infections.
Detoxifies the Body’s System
Hydrangea root has long been used to detoxify the system naturally allowing your organs to function as well as they can. It is important that we detox every now and again much like we service our car. Failing to do so can put a great deal of stress on your liver meaning that our bodies are not in the best shape. Hydrangea root has natural diuretic properties which can help increase the production of urine helping you flush any harmful toxins from the body.
Side Effects and Precautions
Despite the many benefits of this powerful herb, there are some side effects which you should be aware of. The most common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as chest tightness
The consumption of hydrangea root for extended periods of time is not advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. For people who intend to use hydrangea root for over three days in a row, it is recommended to consult with a medical doctor. In addition, with regards to dosage, it is not advisable to consume more than two grams of the dried root in a day. Like we always advise, only use herbal remedies in moderation to avoid any side effects.
