Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, cleansing, tonic, wound-healing, antiseptic; strengthens the digestive tract (ulcers, diarrhoea), curbs excessive secretions (urine leakage, night sweats, bleeding), may lower blood sugar, for prolapse.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Do not confuse with poison sumac, which has white berries.

Preparation

Decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, 12–15 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; mouthwash (2 tsp per cup, 1 hour, rinse 2 min twice a day); tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.

Use in traditions

Many indigenous peoples soaked the sour red berry clusters in cold water to make 'Indian lemonade'. A decoction of bark and leaves was used as a mouthwash for sores and sore throat, and the leaves were smoked in mixtures such as kinnikinnick.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Western herbalism

Attributed effects

Astringent, cleansing, tonic, wound-healing, antiseptic; strengthens the digestive tract (ulcers, diarrhoea), curbs excessive secretions (urine leakage, night sweats, bleeding), may lower blood sugar, for prolapse.

Preparation and amount

Decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, 12–15 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; mouthwash (2 tsp per cup, 1 hour, rinse 2 min twice a day); tincture 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Tincture Compress, poultice and paste
Recipes: Sumac lemonade

Sources

All herbs from North America →

Use by tradition

Western herbalism

Attributed effects

Preparation and amount

Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine

Attributed effects

Preparation and amount

Tags

Sources