Other Names: Rhus Coriaria, sumach, Elm-leafed Sumac; gewürzsumach (German); kankrasing (Hindi); shumac; Sicilian sumac; somagh (Farsi); sommacco (Italian); soumaki (Greek); sumac (French); sumac, Somak (Turkish); sumaq (Hebrew); summaq (Arabic); zumaque (Spanish). <br>is a flowering plant of genus Rhus. Sumac plant typically belongs to sub tropical and temperate region. It grows in Mediterranian countries, north Africa, South Europe, Afghanistan and Iran. Though it is closely related to poison ivy, the variety of sumac that we eat is non poisonous. The word sumac is derived from Old French word sumac meaning “red.” The fruits of Sumac herb form dense clusters of reddish drupes, which are also called as sumac bobs.
==Special Precautions of Sumac==
* Do not confuse with [[Rhus-tox]] which is toxic
* While studies on Rhus coriaria’s antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial potential appear promising, most of these have been conducted in laboratories. That means benefits to humans as well as possible side effects and interactions with medicines are not well studied.
* Rhus coriaria is part of the cashew family, so avoid it if you are allergic to tree nuts.
* 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.