H
Dosages (Hwema) — 200 mg dry extract 1–4 ×/day (PH2).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hwema) — Not covered (AHP; EFS;
KOM). “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Over-
doses potentially toxic, with convulsions and dyspnea. Stem bark is hypotensive and sedative
(HDN). Corynanthine has twice the aphrodisiac effect on dogs as yohimbine, yet is 10–17
times less piscicidal as yohimbine (HDN).
HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea arborescens L.) ++
Synonyms: Viburnum alnifolium Marshall, V. americanum Mill.
Activities (Hydrangea) — Alterative (f; CRC); Antiallergic (f; APA); Antibacterial (f; CRC);
Antiemetic (f; DEM); Antiinflammatory (f; PED); Antilithic (f; CAN); Bitter (f; PED); Diaphoretic
(f; CRC); Diuretic (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Emetic (f; APA; DEM; FAD); Laxative (f; APA;
CRC; FAD; PED); Litholytic (f; MAD); Narcotic (f; CRC); Poison (f; CRC); Sialagogue (f; CRC);
Stimulant (f; DEM); Stomachic (f; CRC); Tonic (f; CRC).
Indications (Hydrangea) — Adenopathy (f; CRC; JLH); Allergy (f; APA); Bacteria (f; CRC);
Bile (f; DEM); Bladder Stone (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Bronchosis (f; FAD); Burn (f; APA; DEM;
FAD); Calculus (f; CAN; CRC; PED); Cancer (f; APA; CRC); Cancer, tongue (f; JLH); Catarrh
(f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; FAD); Constipation (f; APA; CRC; FAD; PED); Cystosis (f; CAN;
CRC; MAD); Diabetes (f; CRC; MAD); Dropsy (f; CRC); Dysmenorrhea (f; CRC); Dyspepsia (f;
APA; CRC); Fever (f; CRC); Gallstone (f; DEM); Gastrosis (f; DEM); Gleet (f; CRC); Gravel (f;
CAN; CRC); High Blood Pressure (f; DEM); Incontinence (f; CRC; MAD); Infection (f; APA);
Inflammation (f; PED); Kidney Stone (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Metastasis (f; CRC; JLH); Mucososis
(f; CRC); Myalgia (f; APA; FAD); Myosis (f; DEM); Nephrosis (f; CRC; MAD; PNC); Pain (f;
CRC; MAD); Prostatosis (f; APA; CAN; CRC; MAD); Rheumatism (f; CRC); Sore (f; DEM);
Sprain (f; APA; FAD); Stone (f; CAN; FAD; MAD); Swelling (f; DEM); Thirst (f; MAD); Tumor
(1; CRC; DEM; FAD); Ulcer (f; DEM); Urethrosis (f; CAN; MAD; PHR; PH2); Urinary Calculi
(f; CAN); Vomiting (f; DEM); Water Retention (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Wound (f; APA; FAD);
X-Ray (f; CRC). Not covered by Commission E (KOM).
Dosages (Hydrangea) — 2 g root (AHP); 2–4 g root, or in tea, 3 ×/day (CAN); 1 tbsp fresh root
(PED); 1.5 g dry root (PED); 1.5 g dry root:7 ml alcohol/8 ml water (PED); 2–4 ml liquid root
extract (APA; PNC); 2–4 ml liquid root extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN); 2–10 ml root
tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) 3 ×/day (CAN); 1 tsp liquid extract every 3–4 hours for urinary
incontinence (MAD).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Hydrangea) — Class 2d. Not for pro-
longed use. Do not exceed recommended dose. Cyanogenic properties (AHP). “Hazards and/or
side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2) (but PH2 designates no specific
quantified dosage! JAD). CAN cautions regarding GI irritation and dermatosis. Overdoses may
cause tightness in chest and vertigo. Hydrangin may cause gastrosis and enterosis. And the
cop-out clause. In view of the “lack of” data, use during pregnancy and lactation, and excessive
use should be avoided (CAN). Extract is nontoxic in animals (PNC). Hydrangenol is allergenic
(PHR; PH2). Flavonoids such as quercetin and rutin (widespread in other herbs) are said to
be diuretic, to inhibit tumor formation, and to reduce inflammation. Synthesized hydrangeol
derivatives are reportedly antiallergic, inhibiting hyaluronidase activity and histamine release
(CAN).