Scientific name

Rumex acetosa L.

Family

Polygonaceae

Origin

Europe

Synonyms

Sorrel

Used Parts

Leaves and top (the drug consists of the whole plant).

Chemical constituents

• C vitamin;
• Calcium and potassium oxalates;
• Oxalic acid;
• Tannins;
• Flavonic glycosides;
• Anthracene derivatives.

Sorrel in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Acetosa

Sorrel is a plant that has depurative and refreshing properties and is a rich natural source of vitamin C.

Currently, the sorrel is scarcely used in the phytotherapy field, while its use in the kitchen is quite widespread.

Biological activity

The diuretic, anti-inflammatory, refreshing and antimicrobial properties are mainly ascribed to the sorrel.

Most of the aforementioned activities are attributable to oxalates, oxalic acid and anthracene derivatives contained within the same sorrel.

Furthermore, stomachic and emmenagogue properties are also attributed to the plant.

However, the use of sorrel has not obtained official approval for any kind of therapeutic indication.

Sorrel in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, acetosa is used as an adjuvant remedy in antibacterial therapies, as well as being used for the treatment of inflammation - both acute and chronic - of the respiratory tract.

Sorrel is also used in homeopathic medicine, where it can be found in the form of granules or mother tinctures.

In this context the plant is used in case of dry cough, allergic rhinitis, acute laryngitis, tracheitis and allergic eczema.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can vary from one patient to another, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that you want to use.

Warnings

The derivatives of this plant can present potential nephrotoxicity, so particular attention must be used by people with kidney problems.

Contraindications

Ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Pharmacological Interactions

Be careful when using hydroquinone disinfectants because, at high doses, vitamin C (which is rich in sorrel) counteracts the urinary disinfectant activity of Ericaceae (eg Bearberry and Strawberry tree).