Garden Sorrel

Garden Sorrel

Some 200 species of annual, biennials, and perennials makes up this genus, which ranges throughout northern temperate regions. Rumex scutatus is one of the few species with any merit as an ornamental, though it may be difficult to eradicate when well established. Rumex crispus (curled dock) and R. obtusifolius (broad-leaved dock, lapathum), long used to treat skin complaints, are similar in constituents, containing laxative atnrhquinones; they stimulate bile flow and trigger the excretion of toxins. Rumex crispus gained ascendency among 19th century American physiomedicalists and predominates in modern practice. The roots of R. aquatica (water dock) are powdered as a dentifrice and used internally in similar ways to R. crispus. According to Pliny, Julius Caesar's soldiers were cured of scurvy by the use of herba britannica (since identified as R. aquatica). Rumex acetosella (Sheep's Sorrel) is best known as an ingredient of "essiac", a native American anti-cancer remedy that also includes Arctium lappa (See, Burdock), Rheum palmatum (See, Chinese Rhubarb), and Ulmus rubra (See, Slippery Elm). Most species contain oxalates, similar to those found in spinach and rhubarb. Oxalates are poisonous in excess, especially for those with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, and hyperactivity. They are also acidic, which may affect sensitive teeth. In the past, young leaves of several species of Rumex were picked as pot herbs. Culpeper regarded docks as "exceedingly strengthening to the liver and as wholesome a pot herb as any" (The English Physician Enlarged, 1653). Most people today would find docks unpalatable, but sorrels remain popular.

Sorrel takes its name from the French word surele, which means "sour". This acidic herb was often eaten by Egyptians and Romans to counteract and overly rich diet. Pliny the Elder, a noted Roman scientist, wrote that those who carried sorrel on their person were protected from scorpion stings. The fresh or dried leaves of the sorrel plant have astringent, diuretic, and laxative properties, and are also used to treat fevers and scurvy.

Clump-forming perennial with pale green stems and sagittate leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Red-brown flowers are borne in slender, loose spikes from early summer, followed by tiny, hard fruits.

Common Name:	Garden Sorrel
Other Names:	Acedera Comun, Sorrel, Sorrel Dock, Sour Dock
Botanical Name:	Rumex acetosa
Genus:	Rumex
Family:	Polygonaceae
Location:	Northern temperate and arctic regions.
Cultivation:	Moist soil in sun or partial shade. Rumex crispus has deep roots and may be difficult to eradicate when established. It is subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring (species only); by division in autumn or spring.
Harvest:	Leaves are picked when young and used fresh. Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
Height:	50cm-1.2m (20-48in)
Width:	25-45cm (10-18in)
Variations:	Profusion Is a non-flowering variety that produces tender new leaves throughout the growing season.
Hardiness:	Z4-8
Parts Used:	Leaves, Whole Herbs
Properties:	An acidic, astringent, cooling herb with diuretic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	To treat inflammation of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, scurvy, and skin infections.
Typical Dose:	A typical dose of sorrel is approximately 50 drops of liquid extract (1:4 in 19 percent ethanol) taken three times daily.
Possible Side Effects:	Sorrel's side effects include diarrhea and skin inflammation. The oxalic acid in sorrel can damage the digestive tract, heart, lungs, and other parts of the body.
Drug Interactions:	Taking sorrel with these drugs may increase the effects of the drug: Acetazolamide, (Apo-Acetazolamide, Diamox Sequels) Amiloride, (Midamor) Azosemide, (Diat) Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex) Chlorothiazide, (Diuril) Chlorthalidone, (Apo-Chlorthalidone, Thalitone) Ethacrynic Acid, (Edecrin) Etozolin, (Elkapin) Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix) Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide) Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene, (Dyazide, Maxzide) Hydroflumethiazide, (Diurcardin, Saluron) Indapamide, (Lozol, NuIndapamide) Mannitol, (Osmitrol, Resectisol) Mefruside, (Baycaron) Methazolamide, (Apo-Methazolamide, Neptazane) Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron) Metolazone, (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn) Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, (Benicar HCT) Polythiazide, (Renese) Spironolactone, (Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton) Torsemide, (Demadex) Triamterene, (Dyrenium) Trichlormethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua) Urea, (Amino-Cerv, UltraMide) Xipamide, (Diurexan, Lumitens)
Disease Effects:	May worsen gastrointestinal ailments by irritating gastrointestinal tract.
Food Interactions:	May decrease mineral absorption from food when taken with Calcium, Iron, or Zinc.
Supplement Interactions:	May decrease mineral absorption when taken with Calcium, Iron, or Zinc supplements. The tannins in sorrel may cause the alkaloids in certain other herbs to separate and settle, increasing the risk of toxic reactions.
Culinary Uses:	Fresh young leaves are added to salads, sauces, soups, soft cheese, and egg dishes; also puréed as a stuffing for fish, or to add color and acidity to mayonnaise and pancake batter.
Economic Uses:	Juice is used to remove rust, mold, and ink stains from linen, wood, silver, and wicker.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg.351 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp. 425-426