Sumac Berry Powder

Botanical Name: Rhus glabra

Common Name:

• English:  Smooth Sumach,
• Also, known as:  Indian Salt, Scarlet Sumach, Mountain, Sumach, Dwarf Sumach, Upland sumach

Habitat: Almost all parts of the United States and Canada

Origin:  Turkey

Harvested: Wild

Parts Used: Fruit                                                             

General Information:

There are several species of Sumach and care should be taken in their identification, as some are poisonous. But this, the blue Glabrum, may be easily distinguished by the color acidity of the berries and their appearance in cone-shaped bunches. R. glabrum is a shrub 8-15 ft. tall, consisting of many straggling branches covered with pale grey bark, having occasionally a reddish tint. The leaves are alternate, consisting of from six to fifteen lanceolate, acuminate, shining and green above, whitish beneath, turning red in the autumn. When the green leaves or limbs are cut or broken, a milky juice exudes. The flowers are greenish-red on spikes followed by long bunches of hard, red down covered berries, extremely sour to the taste, which is due to malate of lime. They can be found growing in thickets and waste grounds of Canada and the United States, flowering June to July, the fruit maturing in September and October. The berries should be gathered before the rain washes away the acid properties which reside in their external, downy efflorescence.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.