A plant record

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia · Rosaceae

EnglishRowan

FrançaisSorbier des oiseleurs

BotanicalSorbus aucuparia

FamilyRosaceae

Rowan — Sorbus aucuparia, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

⚠ Fresh rowan berries are mildly toxic and purgative from parasorbic acid; cooking or drying destroys it, and only the prepared berry is used. Cooked or dried, they are turned to for the liver and bile, for sluggish digestion, and as a source of vitamin C. Their sorbitol makes them a traditional sugar substitute.

In three languages

Français — ⚠ Les baies fraîches de sorbier sont légèrement toxiques et purgatives à cause de l'acide parasorbique; la cuisson ou le séchage le détruit, et seule la baie préparée est employée. Cuites ou séchées, elles soutiennent le foie et la bile, la digestion paresseuse, et fournissent de la vitamine C. Leur sorbitol en fait un substitut de sucre traditionnel.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

European phytotherapy tradition; sorbitol and vitamin C

Kept alongside

HawthornRose hipBlackberry / BrambleTormentilBlackthorn / SloeGreat burnet

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