Evidence supporting the use of: Rhus glabra
For the health condition: Abrasions

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) has a longstanding history of use in traditional Native American medicine for treating minor skin injuries, including abrasions. Ethnobotanical records document that several indigenous groups used poultices or washes made from the bark or leaves of Rhus glabra to cleanse wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of superficial abrasions. These traditional applications are primarily based on the plant’s astringent properties, attributed to its relatively high content of tannins. Astringents can help contract tissue, reduce bleeding, and protect against infection in minor wounds.

However, there is minimal direct scientific research specifically evaluating the efficacy of Rhus glabra preparations for treating abrasions in humans. Some in vitro and animal studies have reported that extracts of Rhus species possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically benefit wound healing, but these findings are not confirmed in clinical trials for abrasions specifically. The evidence supporting its use, therefore, remains rooted in traditional practices rather than scientific validation. As such, while Rhus glabra is traditionally used for abrasions, robust clinical evidence is lacking, and its use should be considered with that context in mind.

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