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:
- Anti-cancer therapy
- Anti-inflammatory agent
- Diuretic
- Antibacterial agent and immune system booster
- Antioxidant
- Vitamin deficiency
- Food preparation
See more
What can I do with sheep sorrel?
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 a detox?
Sorrel can be used as a detoxifying food as it is rich in vitamin C. Sorrel is an excellent diuretic and purgative since it contains flavonoids and other antioxidants. This aids in the elimination of toxic poisons from the body. Protocatechuic acid, found in sorrel leaves, assists in bodily detoxification.
Is sorrel good for kidneys?
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Kidney disease: Large amounts of sorrel might increase the risk of kidney stones. Speak with a healthcare professional before using sorrel if you have ever had or are at risk of getting kidney stones. Surgery: Sorrel can slow blood clotting.
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.
Does sorrel help you lose weight?
A 1-cup serving of fresh sorrel provides about 4 grams of fiber, which helps maintain regular bowel movements. Dietary fiber also helps to regulate cholesterol levels and blood sugar. 7 In addition, fiber-rich foods are satiating to keep you fuller longer, leading to weight loss and/or promoting weight management.
Is sorrel toxic to humans?
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.
Does sorrel raise blood pressure?
Sorrel is no slouch in the nutritional department either. 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.
Is sorrel good for hair?
Sorrel is a very bright and beautiful organic shape flower that has great benefits for all types of hair. Benefits: Prevents hair loss. Anti-frizz.
Is sorrel drink good for cholesterol?
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 boost your immune system?
Supports your immune system Sorrel's high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that's like a superhero to the immune system. It also helps the body heal wounds, fight infections, and absorb more iron from food.
Is sorrel good for blood sugar?
Sorrel also contains a healthy dose of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps your body to resist infection, and is used in combination with other ingredients for sinusitis and bronchitis. The plant also helps to maintain regular bowel movements, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
Is sorrel a laxative?
Sorrel, as it's known in the Caribbean, is a species of hibiscus flower from West Africa. It is traditionally used as a gentle laxative and may help to reduce spasms of the stomach and intestines in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What is the Jamaican drink sorrel good for?
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.
Is sorrel drink a laxative?
Nutrition. Sorrel, as it's known in the Caribbean, is a species of hibiscus flower from West Africa. It is traditionally used as a gentle laxative and may help to reduce spasms of the stomach and intestines in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Does sorrel boost your immune system?
Supports your immune system Sorrel's high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that's like a superhero to the immune system. It also helps the body heal wounds, fight infections, and absorb more iron from food.
Does sorrel give you energy?
Vitamin B2 in Sorrel: It allows the body to get energy during exercise from the fat that is stored in the body. It prevents cell damage.
For Patients & Caregivers
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
For Healthcare Professionals
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.
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.
Nutrition Facts
This herb’s leaves are chock-full of healthy nutrients. Just one cup (133 grams) of sorrel contains:
Health Benefits
Sorrel has a drying effect on the body, which makes its consumption an excellent natural way to reduce mucus production. The reason why it’s so good at reducing mucus is because it contains tannins, which you might be familiar with if you’re a tea drinker.
How to Use
Unfortunately, sorrel isn’t easily or commonly found at your local supermarket. Your best bet is to look for it in spring and summer at farmers markets and specialty stores. It starts showing up in the spring and gets progressively more bitter as the growing season goes on.
Recipes
Sorrel has many medicinal and culinary uses. You can make your own homemade Essiac tea using sheep sorrel or swap it in for other leafy green recipes for an extra kick of flavor. It also works well paired with ingredients like peas and leeks and can be used to make a soothing bowl of soup.
Risks and Side Effects
It’s important not to overdo it on sorrel since it contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is present in many fruits and vegetables like spinach and rhubarb, but it’s potentially toxic in large doses.
Primary Use of this Herb
This herb is known to possess diuretic effect and freshly extracted decoction of this herb is known to provide cleansing effect in the body.
Health Benefits of Sheep Sorrel
This herb is known to possess diuretic properties which mean that it can stimulate urination. This helps in detoxification of kidney and can at the same time help in removing any toxins present in blood.
How to Use
The leaves of this herb can be consumed in the form of tea or can be cooked in a way similar to spinach. They are also utilised as an active ingredient in numerous sorts of salads.
Caution
This herb is known to contain high volumes of oxalic acid which if consumed in excess can result in reduction of mineral content primariyl calcium in body. However when consumed after cooking the oxalic acid content may decrease.
Rich in antioxidants
Sorrel is a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that protect your cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
May decrease cancer cell growth
Although research in humans is lacking, some test-tube and animal studies have found that sorrel may block the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells.
Supports heart health
Animal research suggests that sorrel may improve several aspects of heart health.
