* Ornamental varieties of the Rhus genus are highly toxic and cause a poison ivy-type rash, so never touch or consume them.
==Benefits and uses of Sumac are==
Sumac has been used as cure of various ailments in medieval medicine. Potential finding of sumac drupes in an 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of Rhodes, suggests its use as medicine, culinary spice or as a dye. The native American Indians used sumac in their tobacco, and some made sumac-ade or Indian lemonade, called ‘rhus’-juice, another name for the spice. It was once found in an 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of Rhodes. It is full of vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and important trace minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All of the health benefits of Sumac are still being researched.
* Diuretic : Sumac berries have diuretic properties and are used in bowel complaints. In Middle East, sour Sumac juice is used to relieve stomach upset.
* Anti inflammatory properties : Sumac helps in reducing fever. Sumac works great for arthritis, skin inflammation, and respiratory problems such as bronchitis, colds, and flues.
*Hypoglycemic properties : Research further suggests that sumac is effective in case hyperglycemia, diabetes and obesity. Some research is also carried on its anti tumour properties.
* You can make an ointment from its crushed leaves and use it to relieve a poison ivy rash.
* Cancer : Sumac is rich in gallic acid, which research suggests has anti-fungal, anti-viral, and cancer-fighting properties, and quercetin, which also seems to an anti-inflammatory agent effective against cancer. A 2009 study also suggested that sumac can protect DNA from errors during cell reproduction in animals, though research on human cells was inconclusive.
== References ==
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]