
What are the health benefits of sorrel?
It may also build strong bones, increase circulation, boost energy levels, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, and strengthen heart health. What is Sorrel? Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a fascinating perennial herb that is used all around the world and is cultivated for a wide variety of uses.
What does sheep sorrel do for the liver?
The chlorophyll in sheep sorrel acts to purify the liver, promote regeneration of tissue, decrease swelling of the pancreas, strengthen cell walls, cleanse the blood, and may increase resistance to x rays. The oxalic acid also has antitumor and anticancer properties.
Is sheep sorrel good for sinus problems?
Sheep Sorrel for Sinus Related Conditions. Not just a potential cancer treatment, sheep sorrel has other medicinal uses as well. It is commonly used to help reduce the inflammation and pain that accompanies sinusitis.
What is sheep sorrel used for in Essiac?
Rene Caisse used the whole sheep sorrel plant, including the roots, and she stated that sheep sorrel roots were "very essential" to the Essiac formula. According to the GALE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : "Sheep sorrel is gaining popularity as an anticancer agent and for its ability to break down and reduce tumors.

Is sorrel good for kidneys?
In larger doses, sorrel can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs. Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Can you drink sorrel everyday?
Jamaican Sorrel drink also helps to reduce blood pressure. By significantly reducing elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, Sorrel has been shown to minimize the risk of heart disease, as it helps avoid artery-clogging. It also has benefits when used daily. Sorrel drink also reduces cholesterol levels.
Does sorrel have side effects?
Wood sorrel is UNSAFE, especially when used when used in higher doses. Wood sorrel can cause diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, skin reactions, stomach and intestine irritation, eye damage, and kidney damage. Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat can make speaking and breathing difficult.
What can I do with sheep sorrel?
The seeds are also edible, either raw or cooked. The roots can be used in soups or chopped up in salads, or they can be dried and made into tea. Sheep sorrel leaves are high in vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, and are a strong antioxidant.
Is sorrel good for your blood?
It's full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has key B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid, and can lower blood pressure. Sorrel is a known anti-inflammatory: The ascorbic acid and other compounds in sorrel make it a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drink.
How much sorrel is safe per day?
Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones. There is also a report of death after consuming a large amount (500 grams) of sorrel.
Is sorrel a detox?
Detoxify Your Body Sorrel contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that make it a good diuretic and purgative. This helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body. Sorrel leaves contain protocatechuic acid that aids in body detox. Sorrel tea and sorrel-infused water are often used for detoxification of the body.
Is sorrel acidic or alkaline?
Sorrel is alkaline when fresh. What is the pH level of sorrel? Sorrel has an 9.5 pH level when fresh, once digested. Raw, leafy green vegetables are extremely alkaline foods.
Is sorrel rich in iron?
Sorrel is a highly nutritious, low-fat source of carbs and protein, high in fiber and several nutrients. Sorrel contains a large amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. It also provides potassium, manganese, and B vitamins.
Is sheep sorrel toxic?
Common sheep sorrel contains oxalic acid which can be poisonous [46,100].
Is sheep sorrel safe to eat?
Sources say the plant contains oxalic acid, giving it a tart or tangy taste, similar to rhubarb. The leaves are edible, as are the roots. Use them as an unusual addition to salads, or stir-fry the roots along with peppers and onions for numerous dishes.
Can I eat sheep sorrel?
Edibility: The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves have a sour taste due to the oxalic acid they contain and are very refreshing in salads. The leaves when cooked can be used as a thickener in soups or stews.
Is sorrel a detox?
Detoxify Your Body Sorrel contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that make it a good diuretic and purgative. This helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body. Sorrel leaves contain protocatechuic acid that aids in body detox. Sorrel tea and sorrel-infused water are often used for detoxification of the body.
Is sorrel toxic?
Common sorrel has been cultivated for centuries. The leaves are edible when young but toughen with age; they may be puréed in soups and sauces or added to salad. The plant has a distinct sharp, sour taste. It contains oxalic acid, which can be poisonous in high quantities.
Is sorrel acidic or alkaline?
Sorrel is alkaline when fresh. What is the pH level of sorrel? Sorrel has an 9.5 pH level when fresh, once digested. Raw, leafy green vegetables are extremely alkaline foods.
Does sorrel lower blood sugar?
The Fibre in sorrel: Helps to lower blood-sugar levels. Helps to lower the 'bad cholesterol' or low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol and increase the 'good cholesterol' or high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol.
What is the benefit of a sheep sorrel?
Sheep sorrel has several reported health benefits, including treatment for cancer, fever, generalized inflammation, and scurvy. Its ability to help treat these conditions stems from sorrel’s abundance of disease-fighting molecules, such as vitamins (A, B complex, C, D, E, and K) and natural molecules used to make many drugs, including anti-cancer medications.
What is a sheep sorrel?
Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), also known simply as sorrel or dock, is a perennial plant that has been used in multiple roles for centuries, including: 1 Anti-cancer therapy 2 Anti-inflammatory agent 3 Diuretic 4 Antibacterial agent and immune system booster 5 Antioxidant 6 Vitamin deficiency 7 Food preparation
What are sorrel leaves used for?
Young sorrel leaves are used directly in cooking, such as in salads, sauces, and soups. Countries around the globe have been known for using sorrel. In many countries, such as Romania, Hungary, Nigeria, and Croatia, sorrel is used for sour soups. Because of its sour taste, stewed sorrel leaves are also popular aside lamb and pork. Sorrel can also be used as a garnish, curdling agent for cheese, or flavoring agent for tartness.
What does a sorrel taste like?
In general, sorrel appears as a thin plant with long, green or crimson leaves and has a taste similar to kiwi or unripe strawberries. It is known for its sour taste, and is even called “azeda,” in Portugal, which means “sour.”. Young sorrel leaves are used directly in cooking, such as in salads, sauces, and soups.
What are the two types of sorrels?
Outside of health uses, sorrel has also been used extensively in the culinary world for hundreds of years. Two types of sorrel are commonly used: common/wild sorrel and French sorrel. One differentiating feature between the two are the larger leaves of common sorrel.
What is the plant's root used for?
In present times, the plant’s leaves are the parts used for both medicinal and culinary purposes, though the plant’s roots have been historically used as an astringent and coagulant. The entire plant, including roots, is used as the main ingredient in essiac tea. And though sorrel is considered by many ...
Can sheep sorrel be used for sinusitis?
Another common health use for sheep sorrel is reducing pain and inflammation associated with sinusitis. Sorrel’s effectiveness in this setting comes from tannins in the plant, which help to decrease mucus production. In fact, use of sorrel for sinusitis boasts the largest amount of clinical evidence. Sorrel is also used as adjunctive treatment for bacterial infections (with antibiotics as first-line treatment),and for increasing urine flow, though less evidence exists for these uses.
What is a sheep sorrel?
It is a member of the buckwheat family, and is quite common in the northern hemisphere. It is a perennial herb that sprouts from a spreading rhizome.
What are the main components of sheep sorrel?
Tannin and rumicin, the main components of sheep sorrel, are highly therapeutic. Besides its possible side effects, here's how sheep sorrel benefits one's health. Tannin and rumicin, the main components of sheep sorrel, are highly therapeutic. Besides its possible side effects, here’s how sheep sorrel benefits one’s health.
What are the vitamins in a sage leaf?
They can be used as an astringent agent in various recipes. You can add them to salads for a nice tart flavor. You can even use them for garnishing. As the plant contains vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and K, minerals like potass ium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, along with the antioxidants (phytochemicals, flavonoids such as quercetin, and anthraquinones), it increases the nutritional value of the dish.
Can sheep sorrel cause mineral deficiencies?
It can cause mineral deficiencies. Sheep sorrel herb, a common weed throughout the U.S., may not cause any major side effects when taken in moderation. Rather, it can help improve one’s health in several ways. However, one should consult a physician for correct dosage.
Is sheep sorrel root good for you?
As the plant exhibits antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic properties, it offers several health benefits. Sheep sorrel root powder is also used to prepare a herbal tea.
Does Essiac tea help with cancer?
Manufacturers claim that it helps curb the growth of a cancerous tumor growing in the human body. Although there is no scientific evidence that Essiac tea slows down the growth of cancer tumors , the herb can be used to strengthen the immune system and fight cancer.
Does poultice help with eczema?
Topical application of the tea, tincture, or poultice helps curb the growth of cysts or tumors, and helps alleviate the symptoms of irritating skin conditions like eczema, rashes, and herpes. Anti-aging Properties. Certain elements like beta carotene present in the herb help slow down the process of aging.
9 Surprising Sorrel Benefits
The health benefits of sorrel may include its ability to improve eyesight, slow aging, reduce skin infections, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion. It may also build strong bones, increase circulation, boost energy levels, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, and strengthen heart health.
What is Sorrel?
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a fascinating perennial herb that is used all around the world and is cultivated for a wide variety of uses. Although due to its sharp, tangy taste it is primarily grown for use in food, it also has a vast array of health benefits associated with it.
Sorrel Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA, one cup of raw sorrel (dock) contains 29 calories, 4.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.6 grams of protein. It also provides a significant amount of fiber (3.8g). In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Health Benefits of Sorrel
Let’s look at the health benefits found in sorrel that make it such a wonderful addition to your diet.
How To Use Sorrel?
Due to its unique tart taste, sorrel is best enjoyed in a salad or as a herb in salad dressings. It can also be used in soups or stews. While the lemony taste of the leaves does become milder once cooked, it still packs as a punch as a side dish to fish or a roast chicken.
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What is a sheep's sorrel?
Sheep’s sorrel ( Rumex acetosella ), also sometimes called red sorrel, is about as sour as the common kind but with smaller leaves. It’s typically foraged rather than cultivated and grows wild in the U.S.
What Is Sorrel?
Sorrel is a perennial, edible herb from the same family as buckwheat and rhubarb. It’s often cultivated as a garden herb or leaf vegetable, but some varieties also grow wild.
How to treat canker sores naturally?
Fresh sorrel leaves can actually be used as a natural remedy to soothe canker sores. Simply take a fresh leaf and hold it against your canker sore for about a minute. You can repeat as needed. This is such a quick, easy and natural way to relieve canker sores.
What do sorrel leaves taste like?
The leaves are the part of the plant typically eaten, and they look similar to spinach leaves . The raw leaves are described as having a flavor similar to lemon, kiwi or sour wild strawberries. There are several varieties of sorrel, including:
What is the Jamaican sorrel flower?
Although they share the same name, the Jamaican sorrel flower is used to make a fragrant sorrel drink that is often served during the holiday season. The wood sorrel is another unrelated plant with a similar name that has several distinct species, including redwood sorrel yellow wood sorrel.
What is the flavor of French sorrel?
It has a sharp flavor and somewhat large, arrow-shaped leaves. French sorrel or buckler-leaf sorrel ( Rumex scutatus) is also cultivated, but it has a milder flavor than common sorrel with smaller, more rounded leaves.
What is a broad leaf garden sorrel?
Broad-leaf/common/garden sorrel ( Rumex acetosa) is the type most readily available at markets and nurseries for planting. It’s a deep-rooted perennial that lasts for years and years if it finds a spot it likes. It has a sharp flavor and somewhat large, arrow-shaped leaves.
Why is sorrel used in food?
While sorrel is mostly used for its strong, tangy taste, it is also used in many dishes and drinks for its significant health benefits. These benefits come from the many nutrients that can be found within the plant. For example, sorrel has very high concentrations of fiber and vitamin C.
What is Sorrel?
Sorrel, or Jamaican sorrel, may actually be better known to you as hibiscus flowers or flor de jamaica at Latin American food stores. It may also be known as red sorrel, rosella, or Florida cranberry, and it is scientifically or botanically named Hibiscus sabdariffa of the Malvaceae family.
What is sorrel blossom tea?
Year-round, sorrel blossoms are used to create an herbal tea that is dark red in color and has a tart and tangy taste that resembles that of cranberry or pomegranate. When the holidays come, however, sorrel tea is combined with spices, simple syrup, and Jamaican rum to create a seasonal punch. It is important to note, however, ...
What is Jamaican sorrel used for?
Generally speaking, Jamaican sorrel is often used as a blood thinner, a diuretic, and a way to lower blood pressure levels. S orrel’s high concentrations of potassium allow it to regulate blood pressure levels and the balance of fluids throughout the body.
Why is Essiac tea so popular?
Its powerful nutrients give it great antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which is one of the reasons why it is used as an ingredient in the very popular Essiac tea. Otherwise, they also provide many other significant health benefits, such as improved vision, regulated blood pressure levels, and better heart health.
How much calcium is in a sorrel?
Sorrel contains a number of important minerals including calcium which is great for your bones and teeth. One cup of sorrel actually contains over 120 mg of calci um. As well as helping keep your bones strong and healthy and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, calcium plays a number of other vital roles in the body.
Is Jamaican sorrel a true sorrel?
Instead, Jamaican sorrel is actually not even a true sorrel, although its flavor does match the French and German origins of the word. The French word “surele” and the Germanic word “sur” can both be translated to the English word “sour”.
Where is sheep sorrel native to?
Rumex acetosella. Clinical Summary. Sheep sorrel is a flowering plant considered a perennial weed. It is native to Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa as well as being prevalent in all parts of the United States. Sheep sorrel has been historically used to treat inflammation, scurvy, cancer, and diarrhea.
Is Essiac a sheep sorrel?
It is also one of the four ingredients in Essiac, an alternative cancer treatment. Scientific research has not been performed on sheep sorrel, but scientists are familiar with how some of the natural compounds found in this plant work.
Can sheep sorrel cause cancer?
There is no evidence that sheep sorrel can treat cancer, diarrhea, scurvy, or any other medical condition. Sheep sorrel is a flowering plant considered a perennial weed. It is native to Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa as well as being prevalent in all parts of the United States. Sheep sorrel has been historically used ...
Does sheep sorrel contain vitamin C?
Evidence is lacking to support this claim. Evidence is lacking to support this claim. Sheep sorrel contains vitamin C, which helps prevent scurvy, but there are no clinical data to support use.
Does sheep sorrel cause kidney stones?
You have a history of kidney stones: The oxalate content in sheep sorrel can contribute to kidney stone formation. You are taking diuretics: Most diuretics cause potassium loss from the body, which can be increased by the laxative effect of sheep sorrel.
What is a sheep sorrel?
Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is one of the herbs in Essiac tea. In April of 1974 Rene Caisse wrote the following to Dr. Chester Stock of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: "The herb that will destroy a cancer is the dog-eared sheep sorrel, sometimes called sourgrass. The entire plant must be used.".
When are sheep sorrel leaves harvested?
The roots are harvested in the fall. Small quantities of the leaves of sheep sorrel may be eaten in salads or boiled as a green vegetable. Sheep sorrel is also available in tincture, capsule, or tea form. The leaves are brewed as a tea to treat fever, inflammation, and scurvy.
What is a poultice made of sheep sorrel?
A poultice made from sheep sorrel is reported to have a drawing effect on tumors or cysts. Sheep sorrel's rutins and polysaccharides act to prevent tumors and other cancerous growths.
Who used the whole sheep sorrel plant?
The entire plant must be used.". Rene Caisse used the whole sheep sorrel plant, including the roots, and she stated that sheep sorrel roots were "very essential" to the Essiac formula.
Can sheep sorrel be used for hives?
Sheep sorrel can be applied externally as a topical wash for skin problems such as herpes, eczema, and itchy rashes including poison ivy and hives. "All parts of sheep sorrel (leaves, flowers, roots, and stems) are used medicinally.
Does sheep sorrel have chlorophyll?
The chlorophyll in sheep sorrel acts to purify the liver, promote regeneration of tissue, decrease swelling of the pancreas, strengthen cell walls, cleanse the blood, and may increase resistance to x rays. The oxalic acid also has antitumor and anticancer properties.
What is a sorrel?
Sorrel is a type of leafy green used as an herb and a vegetable.
What is a sorrel plant?
Sorrel is a leafy green plant that can be used as both an herb and a vegetable. In certain parts of the Caribbean, its fruit is used to make beverages.
How much sorrel is in a capsule?
Sorrel can also be purchased in tincture or capsule form, with most supplements offering doses of 400–800 mg.
What is the flavor of a sorrel?
Sorrel has a tart, lemony flavor that works well in a variety of recipes.
What is the difference between a French sorrel and a common sorrel?
Compared with common sorrel, the French version is less bitter and grows taller with smaller, more rounded leaves.
How many grams are in a cup of sorrel?
One cup (133 grams) of raw sorrel contains ( 2 ):
Does sorrel extract help with leukemia?
Furthermore, in one study in rats with leukemia, a mixture containing sorrel extract and other ingredients like greater burdock, slippery elm, and Chinese rhubarb prevented weight loss and improved white blood cell levels ( 11 ).

Health-Related Uses
- Sheep sorrel has several reported health benefits, including treatment for cancer, fever, generalized inflammation, and scurvy. Its ability to help treat these conditions stems from sorrel’s abundance of disease-fighting molecules, such as vitamins (A, B complex, C, D, E, and K) and natural molecules used to make many drugs, including anti-cancer m...
Side Effects
- An important contradiction to sorrel use is a history of kidney stones, as sorrel can lead to kidney stone development due to high amounts of oxalic acid. It is also generally recommended that children and pregnant or breastfeeding women avoid this herb, as not enough information exists regarding its effects in these states. Another side effect that one must be mindful of when takin…
Culinary Uses
- Outside of health uses, sorrel has also been used extensively in the culinary world for hundreds of years. Two types of sorrel are commonly used: common/wild sorrel and French sorrel. One differentiating feature between the two are the larger leaves of common sorrel. In general, sorrel appears as a thin plant with long, green or crimson leaves and has a taste similar to kiwi or unrip…
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