Sassafras

by Joshua Heston

The sumac is native to the Ozarks and the species thrives on dry, compacted soil, making the groves a common sight along roadsides.

Native to North America, Rhus typhina produce clusters of red berries traditionally used to make a late-summer drink (Plate 3).

Various portions of the plant were believed to hold medicinal qualities as well.

Rhus typhina is a short-lived tree species, small in stature with a light, pithy wood structure more closely resembling that of an herbaceous perennial than most trees (Plate 4).

In fact, the sumac tree is in the same family as poison ivy.

It is the leaves of the sumac, however, that attract the most attention. Early in September, sumac turns a most brilliant crimson (Plate 1).

May 28, 2009

From The Herbal Compendium:

Sassafras. Sassafras albidum (S. officinale).

Bark: Vermifuge. Cathartic.

Sumach. Rhus glabra. Upland Sumach. Smooth Sumach. Pennsylvania Sumach.

Root: Tonic. Astringent. Antiseptic. Berries: Astringent. Refrigerant. Diuretic. Leaves: Tonic. Astringent. Antiseptic. Diuretic.

Valuable in gonorrhea, leukorrhea, diarrhea, hectic fever, and scrofula. The berries are used in diabetes, bowel complaints, febrile diseases, canker, and sore mouth.

— page 179, Shaker Medicinal Herbs: A Compendium of History, Lore and Uses by Amy Bess Miller

A word of safety: folk remedies on StateoftheOzarks are published for informational purposes only. These remedies are never intended to cure, treat or mitigate any disease or disease condition. For questions about disease or disease conditions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.