Sheep Sorrel

Botanical: Rumex acetosella
Family: Polygonaceae (buckwheat)

Other common names: Sour Dock, Field Sorrel, Meadow Sorrel, Red Top Sorrel, Sour Grass

Sheep Sorrel is highly praised as a vermifuge - intestinal worms are said to have no resistance to the natural properties of this herb.  Sorrel is also considered a good remedy for stomach hemorrhage and profuse menstruation. 

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Sheep Sorrel root is best known for its astringent properties, though it has also been used historically as an antiseptic, diuretic, hepatic and laxative.  Throughout the centuries, the sorrels have appeared in historical archives as an unproven folk remedy for cancer in both Europe and America.  In the late 1740s, legislation was introduced in Williamsburg, Virginia, that permitted Mrs. Mary Johnson to use this plant as a treatment for cancer, and in the 1868 Canadian Pharmacy Journal, the leaves of both the Sheep Sorrel and the taller Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) were included in the list of Canadian medicinal plants. 

Historically, Sheep Sorrel is thought to have been useful for preventing the spread of contagious diseases such as the plague, and it is said to help overcome fevers caused by cholera and malaria.  The parts of this plant used medicinally are the above ground portions.  Sheep Sorrel has also had several traditional culinary uses, including the addition of the leaves to salad, egg dishes, soups and stews; and as a juice (from the leaves) used to curdle milk to make cheese.  Sheep Sorrel is sometimes called Sour Grass because of it's sharp taste, and it has been used to add a lovely tart taste to food and as an addition to cool, refreshing beverages.  A tea made from the leaves and stem will act as a diuretic and may be helpful to support problems with gravel.  For mouth and throat ulcers, a tea made from the leaves and flowers of this plant may provide some relief.  In China, raw Sheep Sorrel is given after birthing to "cool" the reproductive area and prevent infection.  The primary chemical constituents of Sheep Sorrel include anthraquinones (chrysophanol, emodin), oxalic acid, tartaric acid, beta-carotene, vitamin C and tannins.  This herb is highly praised as a vermifuge - intestinal worms are thought to have no resistance to the properties of this herb.  Sorrel is also considered a good remedy for stomach hemorrhage and profuse menstruation.  One of Sheep Sorrel's main claims to fame is its inclusion in the herbal tea, Essiac, which is purported to be effective in the fight against cancer, though this has never been clinically proven.  Additionally, a tincture of Sheep Sorrel has a very decided action in those cases where there is a tendency for tissue degeneration.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Children and pregnant and nursing women should not used Sheep Sorrel. The herb is not recommended for people with kidney stones, arthritis, rheumatism, endometriosis, gout and hyperacidity, since it may aggravate those conditions, due to its high acidic content. Large amounts of Sheep Sorrel (many times the recommended dosage) should be avoided, as it may result in diarrhea and renal and liver damage (from the oxalates and anthraquinones), gastroenteritis, abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea and may even be toxic. Do not take with diuretics or laxatives, as it may result in serious potassium loss.   Anthraquinones can cause discoloration of the urine interfering with urinalysis.

Capsule Information:
Our Sheep Sorrel supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.