Sweet sumac is a plant. The root and stem bark are used to make medicine. Do not confuse sweet sumac with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix).
People take sweet sumac for kidney and bladder problems including irritable bladder, loss of bladder control, and bed-wetting, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
How does it work ?
There isn't enough information available to understand how sweet sumac works.
There isn't enough information available to understand how sweet sumac works.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of sweet sumac for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Sweet sumac is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts, short-term. A combination of sweet sumac extract, pumpkin seed oil, and hops extract has been safely used for up to 12 weeks in women. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet sumac is safe or what the side effects might be when taken for more than 12 weeks.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When taken by mouth: Sweet sumac is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts, short-term. A combination of sweet sumac extract, pumpkin seed oil, and hops extract has been safely used for up to 12 weeks in women. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sweet sumac is safe or what the side effects might be when taken for more than 12 weeks. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use sweet sumac when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for SWEET SUMAC overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of sweet sumac depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for sweet sumac. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Foster S, Duke JA. The Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants: Eastern and Central North America. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1990.
Gauruder-Burmester A, Heim S, Patz B, Seibt S. Cucurbita pepo-Rhus aromatica-Humulus lupulus combination reduces overactive bladder symptoms in women - a noninterventional study. Planta Med. 2019;85(13):1044-53. View abstract.
Reichling J, Neuner A, Sharaf M, Harkenthal M, Schnitzler P. Antiviral activity of Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac) extract against two types of herpes simplex viruses in cell culture. Pharmazie 2009;64(8):538-41. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.