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SUMACH COTINUS COGGYRIA (= RHUS COTINUS) The seeds dried, and reduced to a powder and taken in small doses, stop purgings and haemorrhages. A hardy shrub with winged leaves growing in pairs and small purple flowers produced on long, thick, woolly spikes. Where to find it: A native of warm climates, particularly of southern Europe, but grows well in colder areas where it has been introduced. Flowering time: Summer. Astrology: It is under the dominion of Jupiter. Medicinal virtues: The young shoots taken by infusion strengthen the stomach and bowels. The bark of the roots and the powdered seeds stop purgings and haemorrhages. Modern uses: The sweet Sumach (Rhus aromatica), from Canada and the United States, is now more popular with herbalists. This is an ornamental shrub growing to four feet (1.2 m) high. The bark of the root is used for its astringent and diuretic properties. It is indicated in diabetes and where there is an excessive output of urine. For incontinence in the aged and enuresis in children, the infusion of 1 oz (28 g) of root-bark to 1 pt (568 ml) of boiling water is taken in doses Of 1-2 fl OZ (28-56 ml). It will also cheek diarrhoea, vaginal discharge and dysentery. Smooth Sumach (Rhus glabra) is also used. The bark is astringent and antiseptic, and the berries are diuretic. The bark is indicated for chronic diarrhoea and rectal bleeding. An infusion of the leaves or berries is helpful where there is bladder inflammation. For diabetes the infusion is combined in equal parts with leaves of Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). For diarrhoea, combine with Blackberry root. |