Sorrel Health Dictionary

Oxalis species

Description: Wood sorrel resembles shamrock or four-leaf clover, with a bell-shaped pink, yellow, or white flower.

Habitat and Distribution: Wood sorrel is found in Temperate Zones worldwide, in lawns, open areas, and sunny woods.

Edible Parts: Cook the entire plant.

CAUTION

Eat only small amounts of this plant as it contains a fairly high concentration of oxalic acid that can be harmful.... wood sorrel

Rumex acerosella

Description: These plants are seldom more than 30 centimeters tall. They have alternate leaves, often with arrowlike bases, very small flowers, and frequently reddish stems.

Habitat and Distribution: Look for these plants in old fields and other disturbed areas in North America and Europe.

Edible Parts: The plants are edible raw or cooked.

CAUTION

These plants contain oxalic acid that can be damaging if too many plants are eaten raw. Cooking seems to destroy the chemical.... sheep sorrel

Sheep Sorrel is a sour perennial plant that grows up to three feet in height, native to Europe and Asia. It is commonly found in fields, woods and shaded areas. The leaves of the plant are thin and delicate, having a purplish hue. It has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for cancer and degenerative conditions. Sheep Sorrel is also used as a garnish for salads due to its sour, lemony flavour. Sheep Sorrel Tea Brewing The most simple and fastest method of brewing Sheep Sorrel tea is to use tea bags. Pour hot water into the cup over the tea bag and let it steep for approximately five minutes. You can add fruit juice for a more pleasant taste. Enjoy! If you want to brew a larger quantity, add ten grams of Sheep Sorrel in one litre of water. Sheep Sorrel Tea Health Benefits Sheep Sorrel tea has antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative and detoxifying properties. Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, Sheep Sorrel tea promotes overall glandular health and has blood cleansing effects. The antioxidants found in the plant boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and aid in the relief of cancer. Sheep Sorrel tea in believed to have anti-cancerous properties that help prevent and reduce tumours and cysts. Other health benefits of Sheep Sorrel tea include its ability to regulate digestion, remove toxins, reduce fever and inflammation, treat intestinal worms, diarrhea or heavy menstrual flow. Sheep Sorrel Tea Side Effects Sheep Sorrel tea has no known side effects when consumed in normal quantities, but excessive intake can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, gastric problems, diarrhea and even poisoning. Sheep Sorrel Tea is a rich source of vitamins and minerals which strengthen the immune system and it can also help in the weight loss process due to its diuretic properties.... sheep sorrel tea

Healing, Health... sorrel wood

Rumex crispus and Rumex acetosella

Description: Wild dock is a stout plant with most of its leaves at the base of its stem that is commonly 15 to 30 centimeters brig. The plants usually develop from a strong, fleshy, carrotlike taproot. Its flowers are usually very small, growing in green to purplish plumelike clusters. Wild sorrel similar to the wild dock but smaller. Many of the basal leaves are arrow-shaped but smaller than those of the dock and contain a sour juice.

Habitat and Distribution: These plants can be found in almost all climatic zones of the world, in areas of high as well as low rainfall. Many kinds are found as weeds in fields, along roadsides, and in waste places.

Edible Parts: Because of tender nature of the foliage, the sorrel and the dock are useful plants, especially in desert areas. You can eat their succulent leaves fresh or slightly cooked. To take away the strong taste, change the water once or twice during cooking. This latter tip is a useful hint in preparing many kinds of wild greens.... wild dock and wild sorrel