HYDRANGEA ROOT

Hydrangea arborescens

In Europe, Hydrangea is mostly known as a shade-loving, ornamental garden plant. But its home is in the damp forests of the Eastern United States. Originally a healing plant of the Cherokees it was discovered by a Dr. Alexander Garden, of Charleston, in 1756, who had recently visited the Cherokee Country. He had rather hoped to find some greater treasures in the Cherokee Mountains, but has his trip had been cut short due to being recalled by the new governor, his 'only Spoils' was the Hydrangea.

Traditional
The Cherokees used the bark of this plant as a diaphoretic and diuretic to treat urinary conditions, such as urethritis, bladder and kidney stones, prostatitis and alkaline urine. It seems to ease the passage of gravel and relieves the pain thereof.

Magical
Worn as an amulet or scattered around the house it is used to break hexes and may dispel bad or weird dreams during the female moontime.