SUMACH - RHUS CORIARIA
SUMACH - RHUS CORIARIA
Local name: თუთუბო
Where to find it: Racha, Adjara
Elevation (Optional): 1000 m above sea level, stony slopes and thickets
Description: Up to 8 meters tall, with large lanceolate leaves. The number of ovate-shaped and coarsely toothed leaves in each leaf ranges from 9-17, which are greener on top and pale and veined on the bottom. It has thin, flat or round crimson red colored berries. Poison Sumac is also commen and it differs from other sumacs in having shorter leaves, fewer leaflets, and smooth leaf edges.
Usable parts: leaves, berries, roots
Medicinal properties: Sumac Berries:
Antioxidant Effects: Combat oxidative stress.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Potential for reducing inflammation.
Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to support digestion.
Sumac Leaves:
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity: May address microbial infections.
Diuretic Properties: Promotes fluid elimination.
Anti-Inflammatory Potential: Possible relief for inflammation-related conditions.
Sumac Roots:
Traditional Medicinal Uses: Historically employed for digestive issues.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Suggested anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparation: 1. Sumac Berry Infusion:
Preparation for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Crush dried sumac berries and infuse in boiling water.
Steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and sweeten if desired.
2. Sumac Leaf Poultice:
Preparation for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
Crush fresh sumac leaves into a paste with warm water.
Apply to affected areas for 15-20 minutes.
3. Sumac Root Decoction:
Preparation for digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits
Boil dried sumac roots in water for 15-20 minutes.
Strain and let it cool.
4. Sumac Infused Oil:
Preparation for anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects.
Place dried sumac berries or leaves in a jar and cover with carrier oil.
Seal, let infuse for 2-4 weeks, strain into a bottle.
Harvest time: Sumac Berries: from late summer to early fall;
Sumac Leaves: spring or early summer;
Sumac roots: fall or early spring.
Harvest method: Harvesting Sumac Berries:
Collection: Snip the berry clusters from the stems using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Avoid collecting any green or unripe berries.
Precaution: Be cautious of any potential allergens or irritants. Wear gloves to protect your hands and clothing, as some individuals may be sensitive to sumac.
Harvesting Sumac Leaves:
Collection: Use clean scissors or shears to snip off individual leaves or small leaf clusters. Harvest before the plant flowers for optimal tenderness.
Avoidance: Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the leaves from a single plant to ensure its continued health and growth.
Harvesting Sumac Roots:
Excavation: Use a shovel or spade to dig around the base of the plant, being careful not to damage the main root system.
Selective Harvesting: If you’re harvesting roots for medicinal purposes, consider harvesting only a portion of the roots to allow the plant to regenerate.
Conservation:
Berries:
Drying: Harvest, air-dry, store in airtight containers.
Freezing: Freeze cleaned berries for longer-term storage.
Infused Vinegar: Combine dried berries with vinegar, infuse, strain, and store.
Leaves:
Drying: Harvest, air-dry, store in airtight containers.
Freezing: Freeze cleaned leaves for longer-term storage.
Infused Oil: Combine dried leaves with carrier oil, infuse, strain, and store.
Roots:
Drying: Harvest, clean, slice, air-dry, store in airtight containers.
Freezing: Freeze cleaned roots for longer-term storage.
Decoction: Boil dried roots, strain, and store.
Infused Oil: Combine powdered roots with oil, infuse, strain, and store.