Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines: Gaylussacia, Huckleberry and Hydrangea

Gaylussacia, Huckleberry

Native to my region are: Gaylussacia baccata (Black Huckleberry), Gaylussacia bigeloviana (Northern Dwarf Huckleberry), Gaylussacia brachycera (Box Huckleberry), Gaylussacia dumosa (Dwarf Huckleberry), Gaylussacia frondosa (Dangleberry, Blue Huckleberry), Gaylussacia nana (Dwarf Dangleberry), Gaylussacia orocola (Blue Ridge Bog Huckleberry), Gaylussacia tomentosa (Hairy Dangleberry), Gaylussacia ursina (Bear Huckleberry)

Huckleberries are generally regarded as tasty wild edible fruit, but they do have some documented use in Herbal Medicine.

The Lumbee used “He-Huckleberry”:

Mr. Vernon Cooper, a Lumbee healer, prepared the leaves and fruit of He-Huckleberry into a tonic to treat the early stages of diabetes. The tops were gathered in May to September and the roots the remainder of the year. The tea was recommended for the treatment of diabetes of the blood or kidneys. Mr. Vernon believed that diabetes of the kidneys caused a lot of fluid buildup in various parts of the body.

Plants for A Future states:

Medicinal use of Black Huckleberry: An infusion of the leaves, or the bark, has been used in the treatment of dysentery. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of Bright's disease.

Hydrangea

Three varieties of Hydrangea are native to my region: Hydrangea arborescens (Wild Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangea), Hydrangea cinerea (Ashy Hydrangea) and Hydrangea radiata (Silverleaf Hydrangea). One is naturalized, Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).

The Hydrangeas have been used traditionally in Native American herbalism and American folk medicine. Hydrangea is not much used in modern Herbal Medicine due to potential toxicity.

Mrs. Grieve tells us:

The Hydrangeas are marsh or aquatic plants, and hence the name is derived from a Greek compound signifying water-vessel. Four of the known species are natives of America; one, the garden Hydrangea (Hydrangea hortensis), is widely cultivated in the gardens of China and Japan. Many methods are employed in this country for imparting the blue tinge to its petals. The oak-leaved Hydrangea (H. quercifolia), a native of Florida, is also cultivated for its beauty.

The bark of H. arborescens is rough, with a tendency to peel, each layer being of a different colour, from which it has probably derived its name 'Seven Barks.' The roots are of variable length and thickness, having numerous radicles, reaching a diameter of more than half an inch. They are externally pale grey, tough, with splintery fracture; white inside, without odour, having a sweetish, rather pungent taste. When fresh, the root and stalks are very succulent, containing much water, and can easily be cut. When dry, they are tough and resistant, so that they should be bruised or cut into short, transverse sections while fresh. The taste of the bark of the dried root resembles that of cascarilla. The stalks contain a pith which is easily removed, and they are used in some parts of the country for pipe-stems.

Constituents---The root has been found to contain two resins, gum, sugar, starch, albumen, soda, lime potassa, magnesia, sulphuric and phosphoric acids, a protosalt of iron, and a glucoside, Hydrangin. No tannin has been found, but a fixed oil and a volatile oil have been obtained. From the alcoholic extract of the flowers of H. hortensia, two crystalline substances were isolated, Hydragenol and Hydrangeaic acid.

Medicinal Action and Uses---Diuretic, cathartic, tonic. The decoction is said to have been used with great advantage by the Cherokee Indians, and later, by the settlers, for calculous diseases. It does not cure stone in the bladder, but, as demonstrated to the medical profession by Dr. S. W. Butler, of Burlington, N.J., it removes gravelly deposits and relieves the pain consequent on their emission. As many as 120 calculi have been known to come from one person under its use.

The fluid extract is principally used for earthy deposits, alkaline urine, chronic gleet, and mucous irritations of the bladder in aged persons. A concentrated syrup with sugar or honey, or a simple decoction of the root, may also be used. In overdoses, it will cause vertigo, oppressions of the chest, etc. The leaves are said by Dr. Eoff to be tonic, silagogue, cathartic and diuretic.

The Cherokee used Hydrangea arborescens in formulas:

An ingredient in the medicine… “for disordered bile” An ingredient in the medicine… For menstruating women who dream of giving birth to animals or unnatural beings.” To stop vomiting in children from 18 months to 10 years, make a cold tea of the inner bark… Bind on freshly scraped bark for burns or risings. A poultice is made for sore or swollen muscles.

Resources of The Southern Fields and Forests tells us:

Hydrangea arborescens, L., Hydratu/ea vulgaris, Mx., Hydrangea cordata. Ph. Florida to Mississippi and northward.

Dr. S. W. Butler, of Burlington, New Jersey, introduced this plant into notice through the New Jersey Medical Report. He states that his father whilst on a mission to the Cherokees, learned of them (he merits of this plant in the treatment of gravel and stono, and has himself employed it for' many years in an extensive practice among a people peculiarly subject to those complaints. He considers it a most valuable medicine, possessed, perhaps, of specific properties. Dr. Parrish, in his Practical Pharm. in noticing the above, has modified Dr. B.'s formula for its preparation thus: Hydrangea, sixteen ounces; water, six pints or sulticient, boil the root in successive portions, mix thenm and evaporate to half a pint ; mix this with two pints of honey and evaporate to two pints. In the summer season push the evaporation somewhat further and add a half a pint of l)randy. The dose of this fluid extract is a teaspoonful twice or three times a day. Dr. P. says he has prepared it for several years and has dispensed it under the direction of several practitioners to numerous patients, and with general satisfactory results, in irritable conditions of the urethra, though its value as a specific remedy requires confirmation. Op. cit. 205.

In the 12th Ed. U. S. Disp. an analysis by Mr. Laidley, of Richmond, Ya., is referred to, (Am. J. Pharm. xxiv, 20.) Drs. Atlee, Horslcy and Monkun, are also said to have confirmed the opinion of its utility "in sabulous or gravelly deposits." N. J. Med. Report, September, 1854, October, 1854, and March, 1855. In overdose it occasions vertigo and oppression of the chest. U. S. Disp.

Hydrangea Arborescens (Hydrangea).— This plant was introduced to the medical profession by Dr. S. W. Butler, of Burlington, N. J., as a remedy for the removal of calculous or stony deposits in the bladder, and for relieving the excruciating pain on the passage of a calculus through the urethra, r.ie power of curing stone in the bladder is not claimed for it; it is only while the deposits are small, when in that form of the disease known as gravel, that a is an efficient remedy; then by removing the nucleus,-

which if allowed to remain in the organ would increase in size and form stone, the disease is averted. Fluid Extract — Dose : 1 to 2 drams.

King’s Medical Dispensatory of 1898 states:

This elegant shrub grows abundantly in the southern, and middle-western states, in mountains and hills, and on rocks and near streams. The bark is rough, pealing off—each layer being of a different color, and which has probably given origin to the name "seven barks." It is quite common in the Susquehanna and Schuylkill valleys, and its flowers are often met with in bouquets in the markets of Philadelphia. The root is the part that has been employed. It is formed of numerous radicles, sometimes not larger than a goose-quill, and again half an inch or more in diameter, and of considerable length. These proceed from a caudex which sends upward numerous divergent branches. When fresh, the root and stalks are very succulent, containing much water, and can easily be cut, and the root likewise contains a great deal of mucilage, with albumen and starch. When dry they are very tough and resistent, and exceedingly difficult to bruise or cut, hence they should be bruised while fresh, or which is better, cut into short transverse sections, which facilitates the drying. The bark of the dried root has a rather pungent, aromatic, not disagreeable taste, somewhat similar to that of cascarilla bark. The stalks contain a pith which is easily removed, and they are used in some parts of the country for pipe-stems.

Chemical Composition.—Mr. Joseph Laidley, of Richmond, Va. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1852, p. 20), found the root to contain gum, albumen, starch, resin, and inorganic salts. It was subsequently analyzed by Jos. Baur (ibid., 1881, p. 157), who found in addition, probable indications of an alkaloid and a crystallizable body. A glucosid, hydrangin, fluorescing with opal-blue color in alkaline solution, was obtained later by C. S. Bondurant (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1887, p. 123). It forms star-like masses of crystals, soluble in ether and alcohol, and when treated with diluted acids, splits into grape sugar and a resinous body. Acids destroy the fluorescence. Sugar, saponin, several resins, fixed and volatile oils (2.28 per cent), and starch (7.28 per cent) were also found. Sulphur is a constituent of the volatile oil. Contrary to Baur's statement, no tannin was found. Mr. H. J. M. Schroeter (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1889, p. 117) obtained a yield of 0.08 per cent of hydrangin, for which he established the formula C34H25O11, and found the melting point to be 228° C. (442.4° F.).

The root of Hydrangea paniculata, var. grandiflora, a shrub frequently cultivated in the northern and middle states, was analyzed quite recently (A. G. Luebert, Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1898, p. 550). A glucosidal, crystallizable principle was obtained, melting at 178° C. (352.4° F.), and probably not identical with the hydrangin of Bondurant. The name para-hydrangin is suggested for this substance.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This plant was introduced to the profession by Dr. S. W. Butler, of Burlington, N. J., as a remedy for the removal of calculous or gravelly deposits in the bladder, and for relieving the excruciating pain attendant on the passing of a calculus through the ureter; and from reports made, it certainly deserves a full and thorough investigation. The power of curing or dissolving stone in the bladder is not claimed for it; it is only, while the deposits are small, when in that form of the disease known as gravel, that it is an efficient remedy; then by removing the nucleus, which, if allowed to remain in the organ, would increase in size and form stone, the disease is averted, and when employed at this stage, it is said to have proved beneficial in every instance, and as many as 120 calculi have been known to come from one person under the use of this remedy. The effect of the plant, Dr. Butler states, is to remove, by its own specific action on the bladder, such deposits as may be contained in that viscus, provided they are small enough to pass through the urethra. Thus it has chiefly an eliminatory action rather than any power to dissolve gravel. By its soothing action it relieves vesical and urethral irritation. Probably its greatest value lies in its power of preventing the formation of alkaline and phosphatic deposits. The former mode of using it was to prepare a concentrated syrup of it with sugar or honey, and give a teaspoonful 3 times a day. Now specific hydrangea, in doses of 5 to 30 drops, 3 times a day, preferably in hot water, or a simple decoction of the root to be taken freely are preferred. If taken in overdoses it will produce some unpleasant symptoms, as dizziness of the head, oppression of the chest, etc. It is a good remedy in acute nephritis. The leaves of hydrangea are said by Dr. Eoff to be tonic, sialagogue, cathartic, and diuretic. The specific hydrangea and fluid extract of hydrangea are principally used in the earthy deposits, as phosphates of calcium, ammonium, and magnesium, in alkaline urine, and in chronic gleet, and mucous irritation of the bladder in aged persons. Its alterative powers, chiefly due to its washing away of strumous and other unhealthy products, are not to be underrated. It is not without some value in broncho-pulmonic affections, relieving irritation; also in some forms of gastric irritation.

Specific Indications and Uses.—Vesical and urethral irritation, with gravelly deposits; difficult urination; bloody urine; deep-seated renal pain; hepatic pain; irritation of bronchial tract. It improves the nutrition of the urinary mucous tissues.

Preparation of Hydrangea.—LITHIATED HYDRANGEA. This specialty of the Lambert Pharmacal Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is a compound of fresh hydrangea and benzo-salicylate of lithium, prepared by special process. It is employed in renal and cystic affections, viz.: Lithuria, gout, rheumatism, calculus, diabetes, cystitis, and vesical irritation. The dose is from 1 to 2 fluid drachms, 4 times a day, preferably between meals.

Jethro Kloss wrote:

HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea aborescens)

Common Names: Wild hydrangea, seven barks.

Part Used: Leaves, root.

Medicinal Properties: Root—diuretic, lithontryptic.

Leaves-tonic, diuretic, sialagogue, cathartic.

Description and Uses: This is an old remedy that is very valuable in bladder troubles. It will remove and also help prevent the formation of bladder stones and gravel; will ease the pains caused by the stones. Will relieve backache caused by kidney troubles. Good for chronic rheumatism, paralysis, scurvy, and dropsy. The hydrangea root has been used for a long time as a mild diuretic. This herb acts differently in different people. In some it may act as a laxative. Therefore, it is better to Start with a smaller dose and increase slowly as needed. The average dose is two capsules daily. To make tea, infuse one ounce of the root in one pint of boiling water and take in wineglass doses, either hot or cold.

Medicinal Plants of the Southern Appalachians tells us:

American Indians used wild hydrangea root bark as a poultice for burns, ulcers and rashes. The bark was chewed to relieve high blood pressure and stomach problems. In folk medicine, wild hydrangea was used extensively to treat kidney problems including blood in the urine, kidney stones and infections. Herbalist, Tommie Bass relied heavily on wild hydrangea to treat gallbladder problems, kidney stones, rheumatic inflammation, gout and liver congestion.

Botany in A Day states:

The fresh leaves contain a cyanide, but some species are dried and powdered for use as a tea sweetener. Medicinally, the roots are emetic and cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic and anthelmintic. The plant might contain an antimalarial alkaloid.

Peterson Field Guides Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants tells us:

Wild Hydrangea: American Indians used the root tea as diuretic, cathartic, emetic; scraped bark poulticed on wounds, burns, sore muscles, sprains, tumors, bark chewed for stomach problems, heart trouble. Root traditionally used for kidney stones, mucus irradiation of bladder, bronchial afflictions. Warning: Experimentally, causes bloody diarrhea, painful gastroenteritis, cyanide-like poisoning.

The PDR for Herbal Medicine states:

The drug has a diuretic effect. Unproven uses: Hydrangea is used in the the treatment of conditions of the urinary tract, particularly the bladder and kidney stones. No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. According to information in older medical literature. The intake of larger doses can lead to dizziness, feelings of constrictions in the chest and central nervous system disorders.

PS. New in my Woodcraft Shop:

Picnic Set #2

This article is an excerpt from 

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll

His New book is:

Read About:  The Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

 Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

His new cookbook is:

Read About The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else"

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

His other works include:

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

Read about Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

Read About Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide 

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else

Read About Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else: http://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R

The Encyclopedia of Bitter Medicinal Herbs:

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

Christian Medicine, History and Practice:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB

Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People

southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Look Up: The Medicinal Trees of the American South, An Herbalist's Guide

http:///www.amazon.com/dp/1005082936

The Herbs and Weeds of Fr. Johannes Künzle:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/05/announcing-new-book-herbs-and-weeds-of.html

Author: Judson Carroll. Judson Carroll is an Herbalist from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

His weekly articles may be read at judsoncarroll.com

His weekly podcast may be heard at: www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

He offers free, weekly herb classes: https://rumble.com/c/c-618325

Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.