Sheep Sorrel

Species Name: Rumex acetosella.

Also known as: sour grass, sour weed, red sorrel, field sorrel, sour dock.

Have you heard of sheep sorrel? At least ten Native tribes of Canada and the United States have used sheep sorrel both for food and medicine.

This plant is a perennial and grows to 3 feet in height, tolerates partial shade, does well in poor soils, and the seeds should be propagated in the spring.

What is sheep sorrel? What is sheep sorrel and how can this herb benefit you? It is native to Europe and Asia but this plant can also be found in parts of North America.

It is commonly found in fields, grasslands, and woodlands. Sheep sorrel is a mild diuretic, mild antiseptic, and a mild laxative. It contains many helpful nutrients such as oxalic acid, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, beta carotene, and vitamin C.

Sheep sorrel has been known to be used in cooking as a garnish, a tart flavoring agent and a curdling agent for cheese. The leaves have a tart, lemon flavor. However, flavoring food is not the only use for this herb. It has been believed for many years to have medicinal effects as well.

Home Remedies using Sheep Sorrel:

Benefits of Sheep Sorrel:

There are several benefits to sheep sorrel. It is an anti-inflammatory which makes it very helpful to many conditions. It is also used to help ease diarrhea and is used as a diuretic.

Sheep sorrel is high in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, K and E which makes it a great additive to your diet. Many people use it as a daily dietary supplement or as a food additive. Some use it to help treat certain medical conditions or discomforts.

A common folk remedy belief is that it aids in the relief of cancer and it is commonly used as an ingredient in Essiac for this purpose. It is believed to be a great anti-oxidant as well and it is used to help with cellular regeneration.

Uses of Sheep Sorrel:

  • Anti-diarrhea
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant
  • Cellular Regeneration
  • Cleansing
  • Detoxifying
  • Diuretic
  • Laxative
  • Scurvy
  • Vascular Disorders
  • As a dietary supplement
  • As a food additive
  • Capsule form

Side Effects of Sheep Sorrel:

Large doses of sheep sorrel tea may cause gastric disturbance, nausea, and diarrhea due to anthraquinones-type laxative compounds.

Large doses of the raw herb may even cause poisoning due to high oxalic acid and tannin content.