Terebinth Berry
Pistacia terebinthus
T Traditional useThe roasted fruit of terebinth, a wild pistachio. Its "coffee" is loved in South-East Anatolia; respiratory uses are traditional only.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
Terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus) is a wild pistachio tree of south-eastern and Mediterranean Turkey. Its roasted fruit is ground and cooked with milk to make caffeine-free "menengiç coffee". Folk use includes cough and respiratory complaints. Its phenolics show antioxidant effects in the lab; there are no clinical studies.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
C Laboratory / animal evidence
Laboratory / animal evidence: Based only on laboratory (in vitro) or animal studies; not clinically proven in humans.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Contains unsaturated fatty acids and phenolics; antioxidant effects have been shown in the lab. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for cough and respiratory complaints. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Terebinth coffee: heat 1–2 dessertspoons of terebinth paste with a cup of milk.
Amount: 1–2 cups daily
[1]Safety & interactions
- Cross-allergy is possible in people allergic to pistachio or cashew.
- Ready-made terebinth coffee blends can be high in sugar and fat.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Rarely allergy
- Stomach upset if overeaten
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Terebinth trees are also used as rootstock for grafting pistachio trees. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Does terebinth coffee contain caffeine?
No, it contains no coffee beans and is caffeine-free.
Does terebinth help cough?
It is used traditionally; there are no clinical studies.
Is terebinth the same as bıttım?
Yes, bıttım is the South-East Anatolian name for the terebinth tree.
Sources
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Terebinth Berry (Pistacia terebinthus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/terebinth-berry/
Related guides and comparisons
Related herbs
Black Mulberry Syrup
T Traditional useMorus nigra
A black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar.
Rose Hip
B Limited clinical evidenceRosa canina
A fruit rich in vitamin C. A special rose hip powder helped reduce pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis in small clinical studies.
Spirulina Powder
B Limited clinical evidenceArthrospira platensis
A protein-rich blue-green alga. Meta-analyses of small studies found modest falls in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; choose tested products.
Black Pepper
B Limited clinical evidencePiper nigrum
The world's most widely used spice. Its piperine markedly increases the absorption of some compounds, such as curcumin from turmeric.
Sesame
B Limited clinical evidenceSesamum indicum
The seed behind tahini and simit. It contains healthy fats, protein and lignans; small studies saw modest falls in cholesterol and blood pressure.
Curry Powder
T Traditional useCurcuma longa, Coriandrum sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Trigonella foenum-graecum
An Indian-style blend of turmeric, coriander, cumin and fenugreek. It adds flavour; the amount of turmeric is usually too low for health effects.
Other herbs in the same preparation form (Syrup & Paste)
Syrup & Paste →
Ivy Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceHedera helix
Syrups and drops with standardised ivy leaf extract are used as an expectorant for chesty cough. The leaf itself is not made into tea.
Coconut Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceCocos nucifera
An effective skin moisturiser; small studies found it helpful for children's atopic dermatitis. As a food fat, it is very high in saturated fat.
Bitter Melon in Olive Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceMomordica charantia
A folk remedy of bitter melon steeped in olive oil. Small studies saw a modest fall in blood sugar; it has not been shown to heal ulcers.
Pelargonium Root
T Traditional usePelargonium sidoides, Pelargonium reniforme
Pelargonium (umckaloabo) root extract is traditionally used for common cold symptoms; liver injury has been reported with it.
