Several plants exist for different medicinal purposes. One of the ancient herbs whose use in modern times is effective for sound health and general wellbeing is the Sumac. Just like turmeric, moringa, Sumac also offers several health benefits to human health that is quite remarkable.
This article contains everything you need to know about the ancient plant, Sumac; its benefits and uses to the body.
Let’s quickly see what the Sumac plant is all about and its contribution to nutrition.
What’s Sumac all about?
The name of that plant, sumac, came from the Aramaic language and it means red. The plant has both nutritional qualities and medicinal values as it is used as a spice by crushing and mixing the dried fruits with salt, and is commonly used as a medicinal herb in Persia. The plant also possesses minerals that are beneficial in the treatment of different disorders and contribute to various biological processes.
Sumac is one of about 35 species from the family of Anacardiaceae. It is mostly grown in the subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world. When used for cooking, Suman can be a tangy, lemony spice. It is often used in cooking recipes from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. To enjoy it, try using it in salads instead of lemon juice or to season grilled meat and fish. It’s also delicious when sprinkled over hummus.
Health benefits of sumac:
- Aids indigestion
Sumac herb is helpful in the treatment of common digestive disorders, including stomach upset, acid reflux, constipation, feverish symptoms, and irregular bowel movements. It is supposed to contain both antimicrobial and antioxidant effects which are useful for treating inflammation.
- Fight with Cancer
Sumac plant consists of anti-cancer properties. If you are a smoker, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is supposed that breast cancer protects healthy cells during treatment. As a result, sumac has been regarded as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for cancer chemotherapy.
- Powerful Antioxidant
Sumac has powerful antioxidants that fight against bad cells that damage healthy cells. According to a scientific study, antioxidants fight against bad cells responsible for heart diseases, premature aging, stomach disorders, and many other adverse effects of oxidant stress in the body.
- Beneficial for Women’s Health
Sumac juice, sumac tea, sumac bark is traditionally used to treat women’s diseases. Sumac is also applied externally in extreme vaginal discharge. Also, it can help a nursing mother, to increase the flow of breastmilk. It helps treat menstrual disorders, cramps, menstrual burns, and pain by acting like estrogen. We can say that sumac has a lot of benefits for the female gender.
- Good for Diabetes
Sumac plant is highly effective in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. According to laboratory results, sumac, a very powerful antioxidant, helps to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels thereby treating diabetes.
- Reduces the chance of bone depletion
Bone loss is a common condition considered by weak bones and an increased risk of fractures, caused by loss of bone mass. The risk of bone loss increases progressively was one age.
- Regulates Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can take a real toll on many aspects of health. In the short term, it can cause symptoms like fatigue, headaches, frequent urination, and increased thirst. Over time, sustaining high levels of blood sugar has even more serious consequences, including nerve damage, kidney problems, and impaired wound healing. Sumac intake helps to regulate blood sugar thereby preventing the diseases listed.
Uses of sumac
The following are some of the uses of sumac:
- They are used in the treatment of dysentery, hemoptysis, and conjunctivitis.
- It helps to aggravate appetite if taken before a meal.
- It is traditionally used and also clinically investigated for lipid-lowering effects.
- This plant has been used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, ulcer, hemorrhoids, hemorrhage, wound healing, hematemesis, hemoptysis, leucorrhea, sore throat, ophthalmia, conjunctivitis, diuresis, animal bites, poison, pain, and liver diseases.
- Traditional medical practitioners have also used sumac for cholesterol reduction, in the treatment of sore throat.
- Sumac powder is also effective for cleaning teeth
- It helps to treat viral eye infections.
- Sumac is administered orally for the treatment of liver disease, diarrhea, and urinary system disorders.
- Anti-fungal & Anti-microbial: Sumac is Anti-microbial and anti-fungal spice that can help treat skin inflammation and disorders. It has also been studied to be effective in fighting bacteria like Salmonella and can be used to safely disinfect fruits and vegetables.
sumac spice is low in calories but high in vitamin C and provides a burst of important antioxidants to help fight disease and optimize health
