This plant grows in my backyard in Vernon, British Columbia. I started researching what uses it had, and to my surprise, I found out that there are more then just a poisonous Sumac! (As you can see, my yard can be a bit of a desert, so this is not the kind that grows in a marsh.)
The benefits of Sumac have a wide range-from anti-fibrogenic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antithrombin, antitumorigenic, antiviral, cytotoxic, hypoglycaemic, leukopaenic and atheroprotective effect, strong in anticarcinogenic Tannins, and has a potent antioxidant which protects humans against oxidative DNA-damage. It also has promising Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic properties, which have yet to be tested on humans.(Reference)
The leaves, flowers, bark and roots all have their own properties too!
- Sumac Leaves – Infusion of sumac leaves is used for treating asthama, diarrhea and stomach disorders. A poultice of sumac leaves is used to treat skin rash, sore gums and sore lips.
- Sumac flowers – Decoction of sumac flowers used to treat flatulence, indigestion, eye wash
- Sumac bark and roots – Infusion used as tonic, treat fever, increase breast milk in feeding mothers, treat hemorrhoids
- Sumac berries – Decoction of sumac berries used to treat diabetes, constipation, women disorders, coolant, bed wetting, other bladder disorders, Treat cough, asthma, fever, diabetes, ulcer, pain
I myself have been harvesting the berries and making wine, then I take the crushed berries, dry them out, and am left with a delicious lemon-berry tea!
I hope you find this information beneficial, please let me know in the comments your experiences with this plant.
On a side note, keep checking my FB Store as I hope to have some sumac tea available, though it will be in limited quantities!
Things & Stuff 