Sumac
Rhus glabra, the smooth sumac, (also known as white sumac, upland sumac, or scarlet sumac) is a species of sumac in the family Anacardiaceae, native to North America.
Buy Sumac
Scientific Name: Rhus glabra / Rhus trilobata
*Easily identified in autumn by its bright red compound leaves and cluster of fuzzy red berries in a cone shape. Don’t confuse this sumac with poisonous sumac, which has white berries and grows in wetlands.
Parts Used: Berries, Bark, Leaves
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Harvest/Grow Yourself:
Buy Sumac
Scientific Name: Rhus glabra / Rhus trilobata
*Easily identified in autumn by its bright red compound leaves and cluster of fuzzy red berries in a cone shape. Don’t confuse this sumac with poisonous sumac, which has white berries and grows in wetlands.
Parts Used: Berries, Bark, Leaves
Cautions:
- None reported
Healing Properties
- Native Americans used sumac to treat fevers, colds and scurvy. They also reportedly mixed the berries with clay to make a salve for use on open wounds.
- Also shown to help with diarrhea, dysentery, infections, sore throats, asthma, diabetes, urinary tract infections and cold sores.
- Used in the south to cool the body in extreme heat.
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Use the ground dried herb as spice/topping for food.
- Suck on the fresh berries (the fuzzy coating make them unpleasant to actually eat - so just suck on them for awhile and then spit out).
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
- How to Make Herbal Suppositories & Pessaries
- How to Make Herbal Baths, Steams & Hair Rinses
Harvest/Grow Yourself:
- Buy Sumac Seeds
- Harvest in autumn when berries are red & fuzzy. The cones can be stored for months if kept in a paper bag, stored in a cool/dry place.
- Hardy in most zones.
- Average, well-drained soil.
- Full sun or part shade.