We love learning all about the plants in our garden and in the wild. Beyond the obvious edible uses of the vegetables we grow, there’s so much more to know. Take sorrel, Rumex acetosa, for instance. There are many proven and traditional sorrel benefits this oft overlooked plant has to offer.

Sorrel is a perennial herb that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. We have perennial French sorrel growing in our garden and the wild southern wood sorrel in the woods all around us. Both have edible and medicinal benefits.

Sorrel Benefits and Uses to get to Know

Known for its sour, lemony flavor and vibrant green leaves, this plant is more than just an herb to add flavor to dishes. Sorrel has been an integral part of traditional medicine and ethnobotanical practices across the globe for centuries.

Let’s explore the scientifically proven sorrel benefits as well as its ethnobotanical uses.

Proven Health Benefits of Sorrel

1. Antibacterial / oral: Sorrel benefits oral health through the reduction of gingivitis.^[1]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918315436^[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4372542/
2. Anticancer / antimutagenic: While research is still ongoing, some studies have suggested that the anthocyanins and polyphenolic compounds found in sorrel might have anticancer properties. These compounds have been found to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells in lab conditions.^[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6264378/^[4]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21070811/
3. Anti-inflammatory: Rhizome extracts were shown to demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects.^[5]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918315436
4. Antioxidant: A Mongolian study showed that Rumex acetosa, which is used as a vegetable in that part of the world, was observed to display a very strong radical scavenging activity.^[6]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918315436
5. Anti-ulcer: Result shows that hot water extracts and 70% of ethanol extract of the leaves  that the administration of R. acetosa extracts notably reduced the incidence of gastric ulcers in the mice.^[7]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918315436^[8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3762272/
6. Antiviral: Rumex acetosa inhibits the herpes simplex virus.^[9]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21070811/^[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193892/^[11]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629918315436 
7. Cardiovascular: One study shows that R. acetosa may protect against the development of platelet-related cardiovascular diseases.^[12]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092512/
8. Digestion: Traditionally, sorrel has been used to aid digestion, plus the high fiber content in sorrel can contribute to a healthy digestive system, including constipation prevention.^[13]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9203642/^[14]https://eflora.neocities.org/Rumex%20Sp
9. Eye Health: Sorrel’s significant Vitamin A content is beneficial for eye health. Vitamin A aids in maintaining a healthy cornea, the eye’s surface, and is a component of rhodopsin, a protein that allows the eye to see in low light conditions.^[15]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693724/
10. Immunity: The Vitamin C in sorrel not only acts as an antioxidant but also helps bolster the immune system. It can aid in the production of white blood cells, the body’s primary defense against foreign pathogens.^[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193892/
11. Nutrition: French Garden Sorrel is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a good source of vitamin C, providing antioxidant benefits, and Vitamin A, vital for eye health. It also has a notable amount of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure, and iron, which is essential for red blood cell production.^[17]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10143808/^[18]https://www.phillyorchards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sorrel-Info-Sheet.pdf
12. Sinusitis: In combination with other herbs, such as in this herbal formula by Sinupret..^[19]https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/sinusitis

Other Proven Sorrel Uses

Soil Health: Sorrel plants have shown an ability to help improve soil contaminated by acid rain by reducing the amount of copper in the soil.^[20]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21608265/

Ethnobotanical Uses and Benefits of Sorrel

Ethnobotany is the study of how different cultures use plants in their daily lives, including culinary uses, traditional medicine, and cultural practices. The French Garden Sorrel, with its widespread geographical presence, has a rich ethnobotanical history.

1. Culinary Uses: Sorrel has a long history of culinary use in Europe, particularly in France. The tangy, slightly acidic flavor of sorrel has made it a popular ingredient in soups, sauces, salads, and even as a filling in pastries, (think of lemon or zest qualities). The young, tender leaves are often used fresh in salads and juicing, while the mature ones are typically cooked to reduce the bitter and tart properties.
2. Traditional Medicine: In traditional medicine, sorrel has been used to treat a variety of conditions. It’s been used as a diuretic, to stimulate appetite, and to address digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea. In some cultures, it’s also been used topically to soothe skin irritations.^[21]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26384001/
3. Cultural Practices: Sorrel has been a part of various cultural practices. In some European countries, it is associated with spring and is used in traditional springtime dishes. For some regions, sorrel is also associated with certain folk beliefs and ceremonies.
4. Animal Feed: Some homesteaders and farmers feed sorrel to, particularly rabbits and poultry.

REFERENCE: August 2020 study published on Rumex acetosa – A Promising Vegetable and Medicinal Plant.^[22]https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12229-020-09225-z

Possible Risks in Consuming Sorrel

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. But, as with other foods and herbs, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects for some people.

1. Oxalic Acid: As with most other leafy greens, sorrel contains oxalic acid, a compound that can form crystals in the body and contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals. If you have a history of kidney stones, it’s advisable to limit your intake of foods high in oxalic acid, including sorrel.
2. Allergies: Some people might be allergic to sorrel. If you’re consuming it for the first time, be mindful of possible allergic reactions, which could include skin rashes, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
3. Drug Interactions: Sorrel might interact with certain medications. For example, due to its high vitamin K content, it could interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There’s limited information about the safety of consuming sorrel during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. As a precaution, it’s best to avoid excessive consumption during these times.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues: While sorrel is often used to aid digestion, excessive consumption might cause stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea in some people.
6. Iron Absorption: The oxalic acid in sorrel can inhibit the absorption of iron and other minerals such as calcium. However, are these are thought to only lead to deficiencies if consumed in large amounts over a long period.

As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement or making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are on any medication.

See our 5 star Creamy Sorrel Soup recipe on our sister site.

In Summary

Sorrel, is more than just an herb with a distinctive flavor. Its nutritional profile and various uses in traditional medicine and cultural practices underscore its significance in both culinary and ethnobotanical contexts. As modern science continues to explore and validate its health benefits, this humble plant continues to gain importance in the realms of diet, health, and holistic wellbeing.

Sorrel benefits potential anticancer properties, along with its contributions to digestive and eye health, make it a valuable addition to our diets. However, like any other herb, it’s always a good idea to consume sorrel in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if you plan to use it as a supplement or for medicinal purposes.

Rumex acetosa plants like French sorrel and also wild sorrels like southern wood sorrel serves as a potent reminder of the natural world’s incredible capacity to nourish and heal. It’s a beautiful thing.