Before Europeans determined to explore, colonize, & claim the vast continents of North & South America, Native American healers knew that this plant can be used for multiple medicinal remedies, but it is one of the only plants that they used in treating eye problems. A decoction from sumac was used as a gargle to relieve sore throats or taken as a remedy for diarrhea. The leaves and berries were combined in tea to reduce fever or made into a poultice to soothe poison ivy.
