ΒΥΡΣΟΔΕΨΙΚΗ
Rhus coriaria
(Elm-Leaved sumac)
Botanical info:
Elm-Leaved sumac is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m. The plant contains toxic substances both in the sap and the fruit, which are poisonous. It grows naturally in rocky places and waysides, mainly on limestone. Its native to the Eastern Mediterranean, Crimea, Caucasus, and northern Iran. Flowering from July to August.
Hippocratic legacy:
a. Diseases of Women 1:
a. Elm-Leaved sumac leaves are used in an uterus cleaning enema preparation.
Other uses:
Sumac yellow is obtained from the dried and powdered branches of Elm-Leaved sumac and is used as yellow dye and for tanning leather. The shoots are cut down every year close to the root, and after being dried are reduced to powder by means of a mill. The principal use however, in dyeing is the production of black. The bark is used instead of the wood for tanning leather. The immature fruits are used as caper substitutes. The crushed fruit, mixed with oregano, is a principal ingredient of 'Zatar', a popular spice mixture used in the Middle East. The seed is used as an appetizer in a similar manner to mustard. The leaves and the seeds are astringent, diuretic, styptic, and tonic. They are used in the treatment of dysentery, haemoptysis and conjunctivitis.