Sheep Sorrel herb
Also known as: Sheep Sorrel, Red Sorrel, Field Sorrel, Rumex acetosella
Overview
Sheep Sorrel (*Rumex acetosella*) is a perennial plant native to Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, commonly found as a weed. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for various conditions, including cancer, bronchitis, and sinus swelling. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The plant contains compounds like flavonoids and anthraquinones, which are believed to contribute to its purported health benefits. Sheep Sorrel is also a component of Essiac, a herbal blend studied for its potential effects on cancer and immune function. While some studies suggest antioxidant properties, the overall quality of evidence is low, with a need for more rigorous clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety. It is available in various forms, including dried herb, extracts, and as part of herbal formulations.
Benefits
Evidence supporting specific health benefits of Sheep Sorrel is limited. Some studies suggest that compounds in sorrel may possess antioxidant properties, potentially offering protection against certain health issues; however, these findings are not well-established in human trials. Its most notable application is within Essiac, a herbal blend containing Sheep Sorrel, which has been investigated for its potential effects on cancer and immune function. Results from these studies are mixed and not conclusively proven. More high-quality research is needed to validate these potential benefits and determine the conditions or populations that may benefit most.
How it works
Sheep Sorrel contains various compounds, including flavonoids and anthraquinones, which may interact with biological pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the specific molecular targets and mechanisms of action are not well-defined in scientific literature. The bioavailability and absorption of its active compounds also require further investigation. While it is believed to influence inflammatory responses and antioxidant activity, the precise mechanisms by which it interacts with body systems remain unclear.
Side effects
Sheep Sorrel is possibly safe when consumed in small amounts as food, but its safety as a medicinal supplement is not well-established. Common side effects are not well-documented. Uncommon side effects include a potential increased risk of kidney stones due to its high oxalate content. Rare side effects may include potential liver or stomach damage with large doses. It may interact with anticoagulants and certain medications by affecting their absorption or metabolism. Sheep Sorrel should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Individuals with kidney disease or those undergoing surgery should exercise caution. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Dosage
There is no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for Sheep Sorrel as a supplement. It is often used in combination with other herbs, such as in Essiac. Timing and form-specific recommendations are not well-defined. Due to the lack of robust evidence, expected health benefits are uncertain, and large doses may pose health risks, particularly for kidney function. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using Sheep Sorrel to determine appropriate and safe usage.
FAQs
What are the main usage concerns with Sheep Sorrel?
It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before using Sheep Sorrel, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, due to potential interactions and side effects.
What are the safety considerations for Sheep Sorrel?
Large doses may pose health risks, particularly for kidney function, due to its high oxalate content. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
How should Sheep Sorrel be administered?
There is no specific guidance on timing or administration. It is often used in combination with other herbs, such as in Essiac, but optimal methods are not well-defined.
What health benefits can I expect from Sheep Sorrel?
Due to the lack of robust evidence, expected health benefits are uncertain. It is often mistakenly believed to have proven health benefits without sufficient scientific backing.
Is Sheep Sorrel safe for everyone?
No, individuals with kidney disease or those undergoing surgery should exercise caution. It's also contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks.
Research Sources
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/sheep-sorrel – This Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center page provides an overview of Sheep Sorrel, noting its traditional uses and the limited scientific evidence supporting its benefits. It highlights that while Sheep Sorrel is a component of Essiac, studies on Essiac's effectiveness, particularly in cancer treatment, have yielded mixed results and lack rigorous methodology.
- https://www.oatext.com/investigation-of-the-in-vivo-and-in-vitro-effects-of-essiac-liquid-herbal-extract-on-health-and-cancer.php – This study investigates the in-vivo and in-vitro effects of Essiac liquid herbal extract on health and cancer. Essiac, which includes Sheep Sorrel, has shown potential benefits, but the results are not conclusive and lack rigorous methodology. Further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-718/sorrel – WebMD provides general information on sorrel, including its uses and potential side effects. It notes that while sorrel contains compounds that may have antioxidant properties, there is limited evidence to support its use for specific health conditions. The page also mentions potential risks and interactions associated with sorrel consumption.
- https://osf.io/s95uj/?action=download – This link leads to a working paper on the impact of language on morphological processing. While it provides linguistic analysis, it does not offer direct insights into the health benefits or risks associated with Sheep Sorrel. Therefore, its relevance to the supplement's efficacy and safety is limited.
- https://www.lingexp.uni-tuebingen.de/z2/Morphology/baroni.rows – This link leads to a resource on morphology and language processing. It does not provide information related to the health benefits, side effects, or uses of Sheep Sorrel as a supplement. Therefore, it is not relevant for assessing the efficacy or safety of Sheep Sorrel.
Supplements Containing Sheep Sorrel herb

Essiac Tonic
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