Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) has a long history of use in North American traditional medicine, especially among Native American peoples. It has primarily been utilized as a diuretic, which means it was thought to promote urine flow and thus help the body eliminate excess fluid. This diuretic action is the basis for its traditional application in conditions like edema, where fluid retention is a main concern. Historical herbal texts from the 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States often mention hydrangea root as a remedy for "dropsy" (an old term for edema) and for supporting kidney and urinary tract health.

However, scientific validation for these effects is minimal. Few modern studies have rigorously investigated hydrangea’s pharmacological impact on fluid balance or its efficacy in treating edema. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or based on in vitro studies focusing on other properties, such as its antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects. This lack of robust clinical data means that while its use for edema is grounded in tradition, it cannot be strongly recommended based on current scientific standards. Therefore, the evidence supporting hydrangea’s use for edema is rated as 1 out of 5, reflecting weak support rooted primarily in traditional practices rather than validated research.

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