Rhus glabra

Rhus glabra
Family:Rhus glabra; Alterative; Antiseptic; Appetizer; Astringent; Diuretic; Emetic; Emmenagogue; Febrifuge; Galactogogue; Haemostatic; Ophthalmic; Refrigerant; Rubefacient; Salve; TB; Tonic.
Common name:Smooth sumach
Smooth sumach was employed medicinally by various native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. 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. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea fevers general debility sore mouths rectal bleeding uterine prolapse etc. It is used as a gargle to treat sore throats and applied externally to treat excessive vaginal discharge burns and skin eruptions. The powdered bark can be applied as a poultice to old ulcers it is a good antiseptic. A tea made from the roots is appetizer astringent diuretic and emetic. An infusion is used in the treatment of colds sore throats painful urination retention of urine and dysentery. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. An infusion of the green or dried branches has been used in the treatment of TB. 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. The milky latex from the plant has been used as a salve on sores. A tea made from the leaves was used in the treatment of asthma diarrhoea and stomatitis. A poultice of the leaves has been used to treat skin rashes. The leaves have been chewed to treat sore gums and they have been rubbed on the lips to treat sore lips. The berries are diuretic emetic emmenagogue purgative and refrigerant. They are used in the treatment of late-onset diabetes stranguary bowel complaints febrile diseases dysmenorrhoea etc. They have been chewed as a remedy for bed-wetting. The blossoms have been chewed as a treatment for sore mouths. A decoction of the blossoms has been used as a mouthwash for teething children. An infusion of the blossoms has been used as an eye wash for sore eyes.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:34 []