Common sorrel

Tags: Weeds and wild herbs Description: The plant grows 30–90 centimetres tall and has arrow-shaped leaves. In earlier times common sorrel had a wide range of medicinal uses. The most important use of common sorrel was against scurvy, owing to the high vitamin C content of the leaves (Urtekilden, 2022).. Use: Common sorrel and sheep’s sorrel, or sorrel leaf, taste fresh and tart, and can replace lemon in food. They contain oxalic acid, so limit your intake, or combine with dairy products, which neutralise the oxalic acid.

The plant is diuretic, laxative, tonic and antibacterial. Its drying action means that common sorrel has a styptic effect. The plant is a good source of vitamin C (Urtekilden, 2022). Habitat type: Cultural landscape, Coast, Woodland Edible: Yes Written by: Eteutehilde

Text and photo: Hilde Grøtte

Sources: Hjelmstad, R. (2012). Medisinplanter i Norge. Gyldendal Norsk Forlag AS

Urtekilden (2022, 21 July). Engsyre. https://www.rolv.no/urtemedisin/medisinplanter/rume_ace.htm