Alpine sorrel

Buckwheat - Polygonaceae. Common name: monk's rhubarb. Pharmacy name: rhizome of alpine sorrel - Rumicis alpini rhizoma (formerly: Rhizoma Rumicis alpini).

Botanical description. A perennial herbaceous plant with long-petioled leaves that can reach a length of 50 cm and a width of 20 cm. The peduncle is about 1 m high, the flowers are tightly pressed to each other, inconspicuous, from greenish-yellow to red.

It is found mainly in the Alps, most often near shepherds' huts. Active ingredients: bitter anthraquinone derivatives.

Application. It was previously a favorite laxative among the local population.