SHEEP SORREL

Latin Name: Rumex acetosella

Family: POLYGONACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Antiscorbutic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Hepatic, Laxative.

Internal Uses: Cancer

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Sheep Sorrel is an ingredient in the popular anticancer formula Essiac, originally an Ojibiwa formula that a Canadian nurse named René Caisse (Essiac spelled backwards) popularized.

Topical Uses: Acne, Boils, Melanoma, Ringworm, Wounds

Topical Applications: Juice or poultice applied to acne, ringworm, boils, sores and wounds.

Culinary uses: Add leaves to salad, egg dishes, soups, stews. Adds a lovely tart taste. Juice from the leaves was once used to curdle milk to make cheese. Avoid cooking this herb with iron cookware, which tends to react with it. Use to make a cooling, refreshing beverage.

Energetics: Sour, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Anthraquinones (chrysophanol, emodin), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, beta carotene, vitamin C, tannins.

Contraindications: The high oxalic content can lead to kidney stone formation, so use occasionally rather than daily. Avoid excessive use if suffering from gout, kidney stones, or rheumatism. Avoid for the very young or very old.

Comments: In China, raw Sheep Sorrel is given after birthing to cool the reproductive area and prevent infection.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), May 09, 2002

Answers

Is there a site where I can see this herb either in drawn form or photographed? I'm not familiar with the appearance of some of the others either. Little help? :o)

-- Alison in NS (aproteau@istar.ca), May 10, 2002.