Sorrel Sour

Sour Sorrel: Description, Application and Side Effects

Sour sorrel, scientific name Rumex acetosa, is a perennial plant of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). Also known by the popular names "salad sorrel" and "sour knotweed". In this article we will look at the botanical description of the plant, its use in medicine and the side effects that may occur if used incorrectly.

Botanical description:
Sour sorrel has an erect, simple stem, reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm. The stem is ribbed and may have a reddish tint in the lower part. The leaves of sorrel are entire, spear-shaped and soft. The lower leaves are long-petiolate and the upper leaves are sessile. All grass has a sour taste. Sorrel flowers are inconspicuous, red-green, collected in whorls, forming a narrow leafless panicle. The fruits of sorrel are triangular, shiny, and are on red stalks. The plant blooms in April-May and prefers wet meadows, shrubs, ditch sides and damp forests.

Use in medicine:
Sour sorrel is widely used in folk medicine. It contains active ingredients such as potassium oxalate, oxalic acid, flavone glycosides and vitamin C. In scientific medicine, its use is limited, but homeopathy uses the homeopathic preparation Rumex, prepared from fresh rhizomes of curly dock (Rumex crispus). This drug is recommended for irritating cough, catarrh of the larynx and bronchi, as well as gastrointestinal disorders with diarrhea.

In folk medicine, fresh sorrel is used to increase appetite, as a diuretic and blood purifier. It is also considered beneficial for the liver. Some people recommend a decoction of sorrel, cooked in wine, to relieve pain in the lower abdomen. Tea made from dried herbs is used as an internal and external remedy for skin diseases.

Side effects:
You must be careful when using sorrel, as oxalic acid and its salts are poisonous. If the recommended dosage is exceeded, side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (throat cramps) and difficulty urinating may occur. For this reason, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and be careful when using sorrel.

Conclusion:
Sour sorrel, or Rumex acetosa, is a perennial plant with a sour taste. In folk medicine, it is widely used as a diuretic, blood purifier and appetite enhancer. The homeopathic medicine Rumex, prepared from curly sorrel, is used for coughs, catarrh of the larynx and bronchi, as well as gastrointestinal disorders. However, it should be remembered that oxalic acid and its salts are poisonous, and improper use can cause side effects. Before using sorrel for medicinal purposes, it is recommended to consult a doctor and follow the recommended dosage.