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Rhus glabra
Smooth sumach
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Rhus glabra plant species is found in N. America - found in all 48 mainland states of USA[214] and in southern Canada. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Smooth sumach.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Rhus glabra
Common Name:  Smooth sumach
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  L.
 
Known Hazards:  There are some suggestions that the sap of this species can cause a skin rash in susceptible people, but this has not been substantiated. See also notes in 'Cultivation Details'.
 
Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:  3
 
Habitat:  Thickets and waste ground on dry soil and by streams[4, 43, 60]. The best specimens are found in rich moist soil[149, 229].



Medicinal Information:  Smooth sumach was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is occasionally used in modern herbalism where it is valued for its astringent and antiseptic qualities. Some caution should be employed in the use of this species since it can possibly cause skin irritations. It is best only used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. A tea made from the bark or root bark is alterative, antiseptic, astringent, galactogogue, haemostatic, rubefacient and tonic[4, 222, 238, 257]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, fevers, general debility, sore mouths, rectal bleeding, uterine prolapse etc[222, 254]. It is used as a gargle to treat sore throats and applied externally to treat excessive vaginal discharge, burns and skin eruptions[254, 257]. The powdered bark can be applied as a poultice to old ulcers, it is a good antiseptic[4]. A tea made from the roots is appetizer, astringent, diuretic and emetic[222, 257]. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds, sore throats, painful urination, retention of urine and dysentery[257]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[254]. An infusion of the green or dried branches has been used in the treatment of TB[257]. A decoction of the branches, with the seed heads, has been used to treat itchy scalps and as a bathing water for frost-bitten limbs[257]. The milky latex from the plant has been used as a salve on sores[257]. A tea made from the leaves was used in the treatment of asthma, diarrhoea and stomatosis[222]. A poultice of the leaves has been used to treat skin rashes[257]. The leaves have been chewed to treat sore gums and they have been rubbed on the lips to treat sore lips[257]. The berries are diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and refrigerant[4, 257]. They are used in the treatment of late-onset diabetes, stranguary bowel complaints, febrile diseases, dysmenorrhoea etc[4, 254, 257]. They have been chewed as a remedy for bed-wetting[222, 257]. The blossoms have been chewed as a treatment for sore mouths[257]. A decoction of the blossoms has been used as a mouthwash for teething children[257]. An infusion of the blossoms has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes[257].

For further Rhus glabra gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

 
Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future

 


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