Evidence supporting the use of: Rhus glabra
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) has a history of traditional use by various Indigenous peoples in North America for treating minor skin injuries such as scratches, abrasions, and wounds. Ethnobotanical records indicate that poultices or washes made from the bark, leaves, or berries were applied topically to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The astringent properties of the plant, attributed to its tannin content, were believed to help contract tissues, limit bleeding, and protect the wound from infection.
Despite these traditional practices, there is minimal scientific research directly evaluating the efficacy of Rhus glabra preparations for scratches or abrasions. Some in vitro data suggest that the plant exhibits antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, largely due to its phenolic and tannin compounds, which could theoretically benefit wound healing. However, clinical trials or robust in vivo studies validating these effects in humans are lacking. Therefore, while traditional use is well documented, modern scientific support remains weak, and its effectiveness for treating minor skin injuries has not been established beyond anecdotal or ethnobotanical evidence.
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arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
babassu
babchi
bai ji
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bayberry
bee propolis
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benzoin
bindweed
bisabolene
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black poplar
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black walnut
black-eyed Susan
blackbrush
blackthorn
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Bush Monkey Flower
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camphor oil
Campsiandra angustifolia
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candleberry
carrapichinho
castile soap
cattail
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cedar
Cedrus libani
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese thoroughwax
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cocklebur
columbine
comfrey
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common zinnia
copaiba oil
cornflower
cranesbill
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deerbrush
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elemi
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fiesta flower
figwort
fir
fireweed
fleabane
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melaleuca alternifolia
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purple Tephrosia
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