Can sorrel be eaten raw? Sorrel and diabetes: on the benefits and possible dangers of an acidic plant. How to use sorrel while waiting for a baby so as not to harm the body

For a long time, sorrel was considered a weed that was not eaten. Today, this plant with a pleasant sourness is cultivated in every garden plot. In sorrel, the benefits and harms have already been sufficiently studied, which is why green leaves are used not only as a dressing for dishes, but also in their raw form for health purposes.

Sorrel (lat. Rumex) belongs to the perennial herbs of the Buckwheat family. There is an assumption that the name comes from a Russian dish - sour cabbage soup. About 150 plant species are known in Africa, Eurasia, America and 70 in Russia. Many people don't even know how sorrel can be useful. But in order to reveal it healing properties, you need to know which type to use.

Small sorrel mainly grows on acidic soils. Since the grass infests meadows and legumes, the problem of eradication has remained relevant for a long time. Sorrel is rarely used in cooking as a salad or seasoning because of the bitter taste of the leaves.

Most of the plant subspecies are weeds used in medicinal recipes. The dishes include only common sorrel, or sour (lat. Rumex acetosa), which is specially cultivated in vegetable gardens.

Curled and horse sorrel

You can meet a moisture-loving culture near reservoirs, ditches, rivers. The height of the stems of the curly plant species can reach up to 100 cm. Despite the widespread prevalence of this sorrel in many climatic zones, Japan is initially considered its homeland. Young shoots of grass are valued for their juiciness and indescribable lemon flavor, but older leaves accumulate in large quantities acid and vitamin C, which is why they are often included in alternative medicine recipes.

A perennial plant horse sorrel is found in the steppes, along river valleys, in forests. The leaves rise above the field forbs, reaching the height of human growth. Other names in the people: mare's cheek, hernial moth, aveluk, horse oxalis.

Many people think that horses like to eat this grass. But such associations with the name of the plant are erroneous, moreover, livestock breeders note that livestock repels the bitterness of the weed.

For medicinal purposes, the rhizome of horse sorrel is used, from which homemade infusions and decoctions are made. It was noted that the specific bitterness disappears when the plant dries.

Botanical characteristics: shape, composition, calorie content

The inconspicuous green leaves of acid is rich in micro- and macroelements, organic substances, natural ethers. Due to the unique combination of natural components, the plant is used in herbal medicine. Since for decades passerine sorrel was taken exclusively for a weed, many did not know what beneficial substances it contained. In the encyclopedias of medicinal plants V.V. Telyat'ev, published from 1966 to 2004, describes the following components of sorrel:

Minerals: phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron.
Vitamins of group B1, B2, B3 and B6, C, A.
The underground stem is rich in polyphenols and leukoanthocyanidins, essential oils, resins, sucrose.
Thin sorrel leaves contain anthracene glycosides, tannins, carotenes, antioxidants.
The ground part and roots of the plant contain a large amount of oxalic acid, which has the property of accumulating in all organs.

This combination of useful compounds of plant origin has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract, nervous and cardiovascular systems. 100 g of the product contains only 18 kcal, which makes it a low-calorie plant. Sorrel is also popularly called the "spring king", which in May pleases with fresh foliage in the beds. Do not forget that you can eat raw sorrel, but in limited quantities. Young leaves are used to prepare salads, vegetable smoothies, okroshka or green cabbage soup.

Oxalic acids are very beneficial for the body, but at high concentrations, indigestion and kidney failure occur. During heat treatment, the irritating effect of the substances decreases, so fresh sour acid should be consumed in dosage.

The healing properties of sorrel for the body

The first mention of this land plant occurs in the 18th century in the chronicles of France. In Russia, for a long time, it was perceived exclusively as a weed, before the benefits of sorrel for the body were appreciated. Now oxalis is used as a spicy dressing in various dishes and in alternative medicine as a means of natural healing.

Phytotherapists pondered the benefits of sorrel, and during clinical trials, they concluded that its use is indicated for the following diseases.

Appointment	Medicinal efficacy
Hemorrhoids, cracked posterior opening	Replenishment of vitamin C deficiency, anti-putrefaction and coagulation effect
Stool disorder: diarrhea, constipation	In a small amount, tannins exhibit a fixing effect, and with an increase in dosage, they increase intestinal motility and eliminate flatulence.
Failure of the digestive tract	With a weak secretion of gastric juice, the plant increases acidity. Sorrel is the most beneficial for the stomach. This is due to the fact that herbal decoctions envelop the walls of the organ and gently remove toxins, toxins
Cosmetology	When rubbing sorrel juice into damaged skin areas against a background of eczema, itching, rash, regeneration processes are activated. Thanks to the acids of organic origin in the herb, it is used to eliminate pigmentation and increase the tone of the epidermis.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system	Useful properties are due to the composition of sorrel, which contains high concentration of potassium. This substance prevents the occurrence of ischemia, stroke, hypertension
Renal pathology	In case of abnormal swelling, indicating a disruption of the excretory system, dried sorrel leaves come to the rescue, which have a pronounced diuretic effect
Low level of immunity	Against the background of iron deficiency, anemia develops, the body's resistance to infectious pathogens worsens. In the fight against autumn avitaminosis, sorrel has no equal
Malignant carcinomas	Although in 2017 science has stepped far forward, pharmacology has not invented a drug that can completely eliminate tumor-like neoplasms, accompanied by processes of active metastasis. Phytotherapists claim fresh passerine sorrel acts as an effective anti-cancer agent through antioxidant properties
Diabetes	Sorrel dishes are useful with high blood sugar, since the plant, due to its low carbohydrate content, normalizes glucose and cholesterol levels, cleans blood vessels

Benefits for women

Against the background of the natural extinction of the reproductive and menstrual function that occurs after 45 years, changes occur in the body. With the onset of menopause, a gradual but continuous growth of sex hormones begins, which then alternates with a sharp lack of estrogen. The use of oxalic juice during menopause eliminates the symptoms characteristic of this physiological condition: hot flashes, insomnia, sweating, dizziness. In addition, herbal decoctions relieve a woman's psycho-emotional stress.

When planning conception, gynecologists recommend taking a course of taking folic acid, which is responsible for the correct formation of fetal organs and the laying of the nervous system. Sorrel also contains vitamin B9, as a result of which this product is useful for the health of the expectant mother and baby. In case of problems with lactation, herbalists recommend using sorrel dishes to rush milk and improve its quality.

In situations where girls experience frequent cramps during the menstrual cycle, it is not necessary to resort to strong pain relievers - oxalic acid and vitamin B9 raise hemoglobin, relieve migraines and discomfort.

Use of sorrel in home medicine

Young shoots and rhizomes of sour knotweed are part of many recipes, the effectiveness of which has been tested for decades. To cleanse the blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, a salad of freshly cut sorrel leaves seasoned with olive oil is shown. This recipe is also suitable for people who want to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the body of slagging.

The use of curly sorrel for alcoholism relieves cravings for alcoholic beverages, but in the absence of chronic dependence. In the initial stages of the disease, it is necessary to make a decoction from the roots of the plant. In case of food or alcohol poisoning, it is required to quickly cleanse the body of toxins with freshly prepared sorrel juice: drink 100 ml after each meal.

With internal bleeding, severe diarrhea, herbalists recommend eating a tablespoon 5-6 times a day of a chopped mixture of fresh leaves. In case of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity (caries, gingivitis, periodontitis), it is necessary to rinse with herbal decoction. This requires boiling one tablespoon of chopped sorrel root in 500 ml of water. The recipe can also be used for colds.

Contraindications to use

Regardless of its wide range of uses and pronounced healing effect, sorrel can be harmful to health. With prolonged abuse of fresh leaves, calcium is flushed out of the body during urination. At the same time, the risk of nephrolithiasis, osteoporosis, and gout increases.

acidity gastritis;
calcium deficiency;
renal pathology of the chronic stage of the course;
infectious and inflammatory processes;
water-salt imbalance;
cholelithiasis.

A way to reduce the effects of concentrated oxalic acid on the body was discovered during clinical trials.

To prevent irritation of the digestive tract, it is necessary to combine grass and dairy products - kefir and sour cream in raw dishes. The recommendation is explained by the fact that the calcium in milk binds organic acids in the plant.

With the onset of spring, I really want to enjoy the taste of juicy, tasty and aromatic greens. It is important in such a situation not to harm the body, since some plants, for example, sorrel, although they contain substances beneficial to health, are contraindicated for some people.

Sorrel - composition

Young leaves delight not only with their bright color and original sour taste, but also with their rich chemical composition... Sorrel contains vitamins C, K, E and group B, as well as biotin, essential oils and a large amount of acids. There are minerals in this greenery, for example, magnesium, iron, magnesium and others. Many are interested in how young sorrel is useful, they are also interested in the calorie content of the product, so here is the meaning energy value low and only 21 kcal per 100 g.

How is sorrel useful for the body?

We can talk about the properties that seemingly ordinary green leaves have for a long time. The medicinal properties of sorrel have been confirmed by numerous studies:

Helps to bounce back. The leaves and roots contain a lot of potassium oxalate, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles of blood vessels and arteries, which reduces the load on the heart.
Regular consumption reduces the risk of cancer. This is explained by the presence of plant glycosides, which have antioxidant properties, and they contribute to the destruction of free radicals.
The health benefits of sorrel are related to the presence of vitamin A in the body, which is important for eye health. Because of this property, greens are recommended for older people.
Due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin C, the first spring greens do an excellent job with vitamin deficiency and help to strengthen the immune system.
Leaves are used not only for internal reception, but also for external treatment. For example, they prepare a paste from it, which is effective for shingles, and the juice relieves irritation, dryness and itching from the skin. It should be noted that the juice contains powerful antioxidants that remove rashes on the mucous membrane of the mouth and lips.
The infusion, prepared on the basis of dried leaves, has a diuretic effect, helping to remove salt toxins and even body fat from the body, which cannot but please people who want to lose weight.
The use of sorrel for women lies in its ability to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, for example, sweating decreases, pressure readings normalize and the body is saturated with useful substances.
The herb is also used in folk cosmetics, as it has a positive effect on the condition of the hair. If you use an aqueous solution prepared on the basis of sorrel, you can heal the follicles, give the curls shine and silkiness.
If you often have a headache, then you can cope with the problem simply by drinking sorrel juice. There is evidence that it is an effective aid in the treatment of rheumatism and tuberculosis. In ancient times, it was used to treat the plague.
Is considered good remedy to cleanse the blood from toxins. It is recommended to take a course lasting two weeks, so you need to drink 50-60 ml of juice after meals. This will be an excellent prevention of severe consequences after poisoning, for example, alcohol.
Fresh juice is effective in treating sinus inflammation. You can also use a decoction of the roots. With this folk remedy you can cope with rhinitis and sinusitis.
Due to the presence of ascorbic acid, this plant is considered an effective treatment for scurvy.

Sorrel for gout

In the presence of metabolic pathologies, in which uric acid is poorly excreted, and salts are deposited in the joints, it is important to carefully choose products for your menu. People who are interested in how horse sorrel is useful for gout will have to be disappointed, since this product is banned. This is due to the fact that oxalic acid only aggravates the situation. In addition, it is important to consider that eating a lot of sorrel increases the risk of gout.

Sorrel for diabetes

People with diabetes mellitus should carefully choose products for their menu, so as not to aggravate the health condition. There is a specific list of permitted and prohibited products. For those who are interested in whether sorrel is possible with diabetes or not, it is worth knowing that you can eat this greens, but only in small quantities. Due to its rich chemical composition, it is possible to improve the course of metabolic processes and normalize sugar levels. It should be borne in mind that diabetes is often accompanied by other diseases in which sorrel is contraindicated.

Sorrel for hemorrhoids

People who have such a delicate problem as hemorrhoids can safely include dishes with these sour herbs in their diet and use the appropriate traditional medicine. Sorrel, medicinal properties which has been proven by scientists to have a mild laxative effect. It has been proven to have a positive effect on anal fissures, uterine and hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is important to know not only what sorrel is useful for, but also how to properly prepare the broth and drink it.

Ingredients:

sorrel - 50 g;
water - 200 ml.

Preparation:

Tear the grass into pieces and pour boiling water over it.
Put on the stove over low heat and cook for half an hour.
Strain and cool the broth, and then drink it three times a day for 1/3 tbsp.

Sorrel for the stomach

It is impossible to give an unequivocal answer as to why sorrel is useful for the digestive system, since in some situations it is even, on the contrary, dangerous. When consumed in small amounts, these greens increase the secretion of the stomach and pancreas, improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is allowed to eat it for people who have gastritis with low acidity. At the same time, sorrel is prohibited in case of stomach ulcers, since an increase in the production of gastric juice negatively affects the patient's condition. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult your doctor first.

Sorrel with pancreatitis

In case of inflammation of the pancreas, it is important to exclude spring greens with a sour taste from your diet. In such a situation, information is useful not about what sorrel treats, but how it is dangerous for pancreatitis:

Organic acids irritate the digestive system, increase pancreatic secretion.
Promotes the formation of oxalates, which, being in the bile ducts and bladder, impair the process of bile outflow, and this can harm the pancreas.
The plant has a choleretic effect, which can harm with exacerbation of pancreatitis.

Sorrel for the liver

According to statistics, the number of people with liver problems is growing every year. One of the conditions for fast and successful treatment is proper nutrition... Many people are interested in whether sorrel is useful for liver problems, and thanks to chrysophanic acid, intestinal motility improves and the production of bile is stimulated. The main thing is to use a little greenery in the recipes. There are folk recipes that help with liver diseases.

Ingredients:

sorrel root - 30 g;
water - 6 tbsp.

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients and put everything on a low heat. Leave to simmer for an hour.
After the end of the allotted period, turn off the heat, and leave for another 45 minutes.
Strain before use, and the three-time dosage is about 1/2 tbsp.

Increase in hemoglobin with sorrel

There are different opinions regarding the issue of increasing hemoglobin in the blood, so it is worthwhile to understand this issue in detail. Many, speaking their opinion about what sorrel is useful for, argue that due to the content of a large amount of ascorbic acid, this greenery enhances the absorption of iron. There are scientists who disprove the usefulness of sorrel for increasing blood hemoglobin. They explain this by the fact that the greens contain oxalic acid, which prevents the absorption of iron.

Sorrel after a heart attack

Since it contains potassium, many believe that it will be beneficial for heart disease. If you ask the doctor how sorrel helps with a heart attack, then you will not be able to get any information on this matter, and in fact this product is contraindicated in heart disease. It's all to blame for the presence of oxalic acid. In addition, it is not recommended to eat radishes, black currants and gooseberries after a heart attack.

Sorrel for weight loss

If a person switched to, then it is necessary to consider the benefits of each product. If you are interested in how sorrel is useful for women who want to lose weight, then the following information will be useful.

It has a positive effect on digestion and improves metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to this, other food will be absorbed faster and more fully.
If herbs are eaten in large quantities, they will have a mild laxative effect.
Given the presence of organic acids in the composition of oxal, thanks to it, you can cleanse the body of decay products.
Understanding whether sorrel is possible with weight loss, it is worth mentioning the low calorie content of this product, so only 22 kcal per 100 g.

Who shouldn't eat sorrel?

It is important to take into account that in some cases sour greens can be hazardous to health, so it is worth considering the existing contraindications:

The oxalic acid in sorrel makes the product dangerous for people who have kidney problems.
Cannot be included in the menu for gout, because this disease causes problems
This product is prohibited for gastritis and other inflammatory processes in the digestive tract. This is due to the fact that oxalic acid will irritate the mucous membrane and aggravate the situation.

Sorrel is a very healthy spring product. However, it cannot be consumed very often and a lot. It's all about oxalic acid: it can provoke urolithiasis, osteoporosis, gout and other diseases. We learned who shouldn't eat sorrel and how to minimize negative influence sorrel on the body.

Sorrel is contraindicated for kidney problems

Oxalic acid, which is part of sorrel, makes this product dangerous for people with kidney disease. With extreme caution, sorrel should be used for urolithiasis. In fact, nutritionists advise not to overuse sorrel, since daily heavy servings of this product can cause the formation of oxalates in the kidneys.

Sorrel is contraindicated for gout.

Joint disease - gout - also "does not like" sorrel. The fact is that with this disease, metabolism is disturbed and uratra (salts) are deposited in the joints. Oxalic acid contributes to these deposits. Actually, amateurs feasting on sorrel without a sense of proportion run the risk of developing gout.

Sorrel is contraindicated for gastritis and ulcers

Sorrel is harmful if you have acidic gastritis, stomach ulcers and duodenum or any other inflammatory processes occur in the digestive tract. The fact is that oxalic acid will additionally irritate the lining of the stomach, intestines and other affected organs. If such a process is allowed, then the result can be erosion of the walls of important organs of the digestive system.

Sorrel is contraindicated during pregnancy

With all the positive properties of sorrel, doctors recommend using sorrel very carefully during pregnancy, as it provokes the formation of oxalates. Sorrel is harmful and absolutely contraindicated if a pregnant woman has problems with the kidneys, mineral metabolism, and the digestive system.

Sorrel should not be given to children under 3 years old.

The child's body is very delicate: it reacts sensitively to aggressive components. Especially under the age of 3. Oxalic acid acts as such a component, which can negatively affect the developing organism. To avoid negative consequences, do not give sorrel to children under 3 years of age.

How to minimize the harmful effects of sorrel

It is important to understand that oxalic acid in moderate doses is an important element for our body. Sorrel is harmful only if we suffer from the diseases listed above or consume more than 10 sorrel leaves daily. To minimize the negative effect of oxalic acid on the body, follow these rules:

Combine sorrel with fermented milk products: be sure to add sour cream to green borsch with sorrel or cabbage soup. So calcium "binds" the acid, and it cannot be absorbed in the stomach, it turns into oxalates. But do not forget that calcium is also not absorbed with this.

Combine sorrel with other foods that contain calcium, as well as complexes for strengthening teeth and bones, which contain calcium.
Introduce apple cider vinegar and lemon juice into the diet - they promote the elimination of oxalates.

Used photos depositphotos

In the spring, our body lacks vitamins... It is almost impossible to make up for their lack with store-bought tomatoes and cucumbers rich in pesticides and nitrates. Sorrel, which is often called the "spring king", will help to save from vitamin deficiency. It appears in the garden beds in early spring and can be an excellent "vitamin supplement" until winter.

Sorrel - a herbaceous plant of the Buckwheat family with delicate, sour-tasting leaves. Fresh sorrel leaves are rich in A, B, C and K. It also contains iron, fluorine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, tannins and oxalic acid. ABOUT useful properties sorrel has long been known. So Galen and Dioscorides offered sorrel to treat stomach diseases, dysentery and use it to stop bleeding. Avicenna recommended the use of sorrel for women during menopause in order to avoid its unpleasant manifestations and to treat infertility. Zemsky doctors used sorrel to treat patients with tuberculosis and rheumatism. A decoction of its roots was given to patients to treat coughs and runny nose.

In our country, they are consumed fresh and used to prepare salads, green cabbage soup, okroshka and fillings for pies. But the useful properties of sorrel are known not only in Russia, it is most popular among the British, French and Irish. In England, sorrel is used to prepare sauces for meat, in France it is added to stews, and in Ireland they are used as a dressing for fish. Inhabitants of the Caribbean island brew tea from sorrel and prepare tonic cocktails.

Sorrel is a very healthy plant. Thanks to its high content of vitamin B, it helps to resist stress and insomnia, improves mood and soothes. Vitamin C, which is rich in fresh sorrel leaves, helps to strengthen the immune system and cope with viruses. Those who have vision and skin problems should become a sorrel lover in order to enrich the body with vitamin A, which is abundant in sorrel leaves. Vitamin K, calcium and tannins contained in sorrel strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood clotting. Therefore, sorrel has long been used to rinse the mouth for bleeding gums and for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Sorrel improves the functioning of all organs and systems in the body. For example, it stimulates bile production and improves performance. Fresh sorrel leaves help with colitis and bowel diseases. Its juice is useful to smear cracks in the anus with hemorrhoids. A decoction of sorrel roots is recommended to drink with diarrhea, as an astringent and fixing agent. Fresh sorrel leaves should be consumed by elderly people suffering from constipation. They help to soften the stool and speed up their movement through the intestines. Sorrel is an excellent diuretic and tonic. It is enough to drink one tablespoon of oxalic juice three times a day to relieve swelling in the legs.

It's nice in the heat drink sorrel drink, it perfectly quenches thirst and provides the body with vitamins. Scroll the sorrel leaves through a meat grinder and cover them with cool water. For cystitis, take a sorrel decoction bath for several days in a row to relieve inflammation of the bladder and improve skin condition. After all, sorrel contains substances that prevent inflammation and accelerate wound healing. Use sorrel leaf face masks for a youthful look and get rid of acne. Sorrel contains folic acid, which prevents aging and fights cancer.

Undoubtedly, - a wonderful vitamin supplement to the regular diet. However, this beneficial plant should not be eaten in large quantities. It contains oxalic acid. Traditional healers advise to collect sorrel leaves only until July, a large amount of oxalic acid accumulates in old leaves. This acid can cause salt deposits as it has the ability to convert to oxalates. Therefore, sorrel should not be eaten by people suffering urolithiasis and gout. Its use is contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 3 years of age. However, oxalic acid is dangerous only with a lack of calcium in the body.
And in combination with dairy products, the use of 10 young leaves a day will not bring any harm to a healthy person, except for benefit. Follow the popular recipe and sprinkle the sorrel cabbage soup with a large spoonful of sour cream. Both healthy and tasty! And they cook sorrel cabbage soup like this: boil soup broth or boil water and boil it for 2 minutes. Salt broth or water, simmer for another 2 minutes over low heat. Such boiling removes oxygen from the water, which destroys vitamin C. Then add finely chopped potatoes, boiled eggs and pressed onions to the broth or water. Add sorrel to the soup 5 minutes before the end of cooking and then its beneficial properties are best preserved.

Sorrel (lat.Rúmex) is a herb that belongs to the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). The Latin word "rumex" is translated as a spear on a short dart for throwing. Most species of this genus have leaves of just this shape.

Appearance

Sorrel is mostly perennial, although some species are annuals and biennials. Also, some semi-shrubs and shrubs belong to this genus. The sorrel has an erect stem, usually furrowed and branched.

Leaves can be of different shapes: from lanceolate to lanceolate. The leaves form a lush rosette near the roots. Small flowers form dense clusters, which, in turn, create complex, erect, apical inflorescences.

The perianth is six-membered, and its leaves form two circles.

The color of the leaves is usually green with a red, pink or red-brown tint. The leaves of the inner circle are larger.

Sorrel has 6 stamens and a pistil with three columns. As a result, the fruit is formed in the form of a triangular nut of a brown shade, which is surrounded by perianth leaves.

Views

Today, science knows about 200 species of sorrel, but a small amount can be used for food or for medicinal purposes, the rest of the species are weeds.

The most common types of sorrel are:

Roman (corymbose)- Rumex scutatus, its names in other languages: it. Schild-Ampfer, Französischer Spinat; English french sorrel; fr. oseille petite, oseille ronde. This species is common in subalpine zones. A characteristic feature is the stem height from 10 to 40 cm, smooth thyroid leaves, small red flowers. The taste is sour and lemon, bitterness is practically not felt. Basically, its young leaves are added to soups or used as a spicy dressing. (photo 1)
Sour - Rumex acetosa. Other names are German. Großer Sauerampfer, Wiesensauerampfer, Essigkraut, Sauergras; English sorrel; fr. oseille. This species is perennial and is characterized by a height of 60 cm to 1 meter. It has green oval leaves with long roots. Red flowers appear on the stems without leaves, from which the fruit is later formed. It tastes sour-bitter, lemon. This type contains a lot of oxalic acid, so it is not recommended to use it raw, it is better to boil it a little. (photo 2)
Horse - Rumex confertus.Other names are German. Roßampfer; English Rumex confertus Willd; fr. patience, épinard oseille. This species reaches a height of 90 cm to 1.5 meters and is characterized by two types of leaves: alternate and elongated stem. The flowers are small with a greenish-yellow tint. The taste is quite bitter, so this sorrel is added to food only in a dried form. (photo 3)

The main decorative types:

alpine - Rumex alpinus L. (photo 1)
water - Rumex hydrolapathum Huds. (photo 2)
small thyroid - Rumex scutatus L. (photo 3)
venous - Rumex venosus Pursh. (photo 4)
sinuous - Rumex flexuosus Sol.ex Hook.
blood-red - Rumex sanguineus L. (photo 5)

Where does it grow?

The homeland of sorrel is Asia and Europe, because it mainly grows as a weed. It was only in the XII century in France that some varieties of this plant were first used for consumption. In Russia, sorrel began to be added to dishes only in the last century. This plant prefers to germinate in sparse forests or forest edges. It can be found in damp meadows, near rivers or lakes, and among bushes.

Preparation method

Young sorrel leaves are used as they have less bitterness.
The leaves are carefully sorted out and washed.
The sorrel is cut into large strips and spread on a towel or paper.
It is better to choose a place for drying the plant away from direct sunlight, then the leaves will retain their green color. Therefore, the perfect solution would be a room, not an outdoor place.
After 7-10 days, the sorrel is completely dry.
Dried sorrel is placed in a glass jar, but with a loose lid. It is better to store in a dark and dry place.

Sorrel can be frozen in the freezer or chopped leaves sprinkle with salt and put in glass jars... You need to store the jars in the refrigerator.

Before sending sorrel to the freezer, it should be wrapped in plastic wrap

Nutritional value and calorie content

Sorrel is dietary and low-calorie product... 100 grams of this plant contains only 22 kcal. Boiled sorrel contains 20 kcal for every 100 grams of product.

The nutritional value in 100 grams of fresh sorrel:

Protein - 1.5 grams
Fat - 0.3 grams
Carbohydrates - 2.9 grams
Ash - 1.4 grams
Water - 92 grams
Dietary fiber - 1.2 grams
Organic acids - 0.7 grams
Unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 grams
Mono- and disaccharides - 2.8 grams
Starch - 0.1 grams
Saturated Fatty Acids - 0.1 grams

You can find out more information about the properties of sorrel from the excerpt from the program "Live Healthy!"

Chemical composition

Sorrel has a rich chemical composition, therefore it has a beneficial effect on the entire body.

Macronutrients:

Ca (calcium) - 47 mg
Mg (magnesium) - 85 mg
Na (sodium) - 15 mg
K (potassium) - 500 mg
P (phosphorus) - 90 mg
S (sulfur) - 20 μg
Cl (chlorine) - 70 mg

Trace elements:

Fe (iron) - 2 mg
I (iodine) - 3 μg
Mn (manganese) - 0.35 μg
Cu (copper) - 0.2 mg
Zn (zinc) - 0.5 mg
F (fluorine) - 70 mcg

Vitamins:

PP - 0.3 mg
Beta-carotene - 2.5 mg
A (RE) - 417 μg
B1 (thiamine) - 0.19 mg
B2 (riboflavin) 0.1 mg
C (ascorbic) - 43 mg
E (TE) - 2 mg
PP (Niacin Equivalent) - 0.6 mg
B5 (pantothenic acid) - 0.25 mg
B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.2 mg
Folic acid (vitamin B9) - 35 mcg
K (phylloquinone) - 0.6 mg
Biotin (vitamin H) - 0.6 mcg

Sorrel roots contain up to 27% tannins.

Sorrel is a real storehouse of vitamins and minerals

Beneficial features

Regular consumption of sorrel will make up for the lack of vitamins in the body

Harm

Do not get too carried away with the use of sorrel, because if it is eaten in huge quantities for a long time, it will harm the body. This rule is especially true for old leaves. In general, they are not recommended to be consumed raw. Excess oxalic acid, which is contained in the plant, can disrupt mineral metabolism, as well as negatively affect kidney function. Therefore, before using middle-aged sorrel leaves, you need to boil them with chalk, then all harmful substances will precipitate.

In order to neutralize the negative effects of oxalic acid on the body, it is recommended to consume dairy products, because their calcium content is quite high. To get rid of oxalic acid salts, you should pay attention to apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.

Contraindications

with kidney disease;
with duodenal ulcer
with a stomach ulcer;
with gastritis with high acidity;
with a lack of calcium;
during pregnancy.

Do not consume sorrel if you have stomach acid, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease

Application

In cooking

Fresh sorrel leaves are added to first courses or chlodniki.
This plant is an ingredient in salads and appetizers.
Sorrel is used to prepare delicious side dishes for meat dishes.
Some plant species are added to different sauces and gravies.
Sorrel is an excellent filling for various cakes.
This component is used for stuffing fish or meat.
This plant is added to various soft drinks.
Juice is extracted from the leaves of young sorrel, which is then used with vegetable juices.

Some cooking secrets:

Before adding sorrel leaves to the first courses, boil them in a small amount of water with the lid closed.
Due to the high water content of sorrel, it is better to stew it before use, rather than boil it.
This plant is delicate enough, so it cannot maintain its original appearance and taste qualities... It cannot be heat treated for a long time. You can dip it in boiling water for 15 minutes or throw it into a stewed dish a few minutes before it is fully cooked.
If sorrel leaves are used for salads, it is better to pick them by hand to preserve juiciness.
To preserve the characteristic acidity, sorrel should only be cooked at low temperatures.
To neutralize the harmful effects of oxalic acid, which is part of the plant, fermented milk products should be added.

Ingredients:

1 cup sorrel leaves
100 grams of potatoes
0.8 liters of vegetable broth
half a glass of cream 20%
2 tbsp. sour cream spoons
1 clove of garlic
parsley to taste

Preparation:

You need to take the garlic, chop it using a press. Then fry, add to the broth and heat it for about 20 minutes. Then add sorrel leaves, parsley to the broth and cook for another 10 minutes. Then the resulting soup is pureed in a blender, after adding cream and sour cream there. The finished puree is poured back into the saucepan, the desired amount of pepper and salt is added, and a little more needs to be kept on low heat.

Sorrel snack

Ingredients:

2 pieces of walnut
1 egg
100 ml of water
4 tbsp. spoons of chopped sorrel
1 tbsp. a spoonful of vegetable oil

Preparation:

Boil the egg and chop finely. Pour boiling water over chopped sorrel and boil for about two minutes, then dry. Chop nuts, add egg, sorrel and season with oil. Mix all components thoroughly.

Ingredients:

600 grams of sorrel
100 grams of sugar
1.5 liters of water
40 grams of starch
A little salt

Preparation:

First, knead the sorrel with your hands and then chop it. Pour some water over it and simmer for 5 minutes. Grind the resulting mass using a strainer or blender. Pour all the water into the sorrel, add sugar. Cook for up to 5 minutes. Dissolve the starch separately in water and add to the jelly. Bring the drink to a boil.

The addition of peppermint will help to enrich the taste of jelly.

In medicine

Application in traditional medicine:

improves the digestion process;
helps to cope with pain;
used for quick wound healing;
helps to eliminate inflammation;
has an antitoxic effect;
in the treatment of vitamin deficiency;
with indigestion;
used to improve liver function;
helps to cure skin diseases like allergic reactions, acne, itching or acne;
used for dysentery and hemorrhoids;
helps with external use for burns or wounds;
helps to cope with colds, as well as with hemo- and enterocolics.

Green apple and sorrel smoothie will help with vitamin deficiency and remove toxins from the body

Traditional medicine recipes

This plant is used in folk medicine, because it helps to cope with various diseases. IN Depending on the purpose, different recipes are used based on sorrel:

with menopause - you need to take 1 tbsp. spoon of dried sorrel leaves, pour boiling water over them and leave for 1 hour. This tincture is divided into three times and drunk during the day half an hour before a meal. The course of treatment is one week. It is better to start taking the infusion 7 days before the expected date of your period;
with infertility- you need to pour boiling water over 1 tbsp. spoon of dried sorrel leaves, and then boil over low heat for about one minute. When the infusion has cooled down, take a third part every day before meals;
with inflammation of the bladder - Pour 500 grams of sorrel with 1 liter of water and boil over low heat for up to 5 minutes. This broth is added to the bathroom, which is recommended to be taken before bedtime for no longer than 10 minutes;
with constipation - 2 tbsp. Spoons of herbs pour 200 ml of boiling water and boil in a water bath for 20 minutes, then cool and strain. This broth should be taken 3-4 times a day, 70 ml. Sorrel has a laxative effect only after 12 hours, so it is recommended to take it before bedtime;
with stones in the bladder- 1 teaspoon of sorrel seeds must be poured with 500 ml of wine and left for a week. This infusion is recommended to drink 3 times a day, 50 ml;
with liver diseases - 30 grams of chopped sorrel root is poured into 1.2 liters of water, this mass is brought to a boil and boiled for an hour. Then leave the broth for 45 minutes to brew, strain and take 50 ml 3 times a day;
for burns or ulcers - fresh sorrel leaves need to be thoroughly ground and applied to sore spots;
with dropsy or edema - you need to drink 1 tbsp. spoon of juice from sorrel leaves 3 times a day.

For medicinal purposes, mainly horse sorrel is used.

In cosmetology

Sorrel has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, which is why it is often used as a face mask. It tones, moisturizes and cleanses the skin, and fights inflammation. These products are recommended for normal to combination skin types as they require daily care.

Acne mask

You must take 1 tbsp. a spoonful of chopped sorrel and 1 tbsp. spoon of calendula flowers. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the herbs and leave for up to 10 minutes. Strain the broth, put the gruel on the face and leave for 15 minutes. After the procedure, wash with the remaining broth.

Toning mask

Take 2 tbsp. sorrel spoons, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of low-fat cottage cheese and pour a small amount of yogurt until a homogeneous mass is formed. Apply the mask for 20 minutes.

Purifying mask

It will take 1 tbsp. spoon of finely chopped sorrel leaves, 1 tbsp. spoon of parsley and 1 teaspoon of tarragon. Pour 200 ml of hot milk into the grass and let it brew for 30 minutes. Then strain the mixture through a strainer and add 2 tbsp. tablespoons of wheat bran and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of gruel. The mask is applied for 20 minutes and then washed off.

Decoction for painful acne

Take chopped leaves of sorrel, burdock, nettle, plantain and dandelion in equal proportions. For a mask, you only need 2 tbsp. spoons of herbs. They are poured with boiling water and cooked over low heat for 10 minutes. Wait for it to cool completely and drain. With a medicinal broth, you need to wipe problem areas of the skin every day.

T-zone cleaning mask

Take 1 tbsp. spoon of sorrel, 1 tbsp. spoon of yarrow and 1 tbsp. a spoonful of oatmeal. Pour water over the collection of herbs until a viscous mixture is formed. The product is applied to problem areas twice a day.

Varieties

The varieties differ in the shape and size of the leaf, the length and thickness of the petiole, the color of the leaves and the amount of oxalic acid:

Ordinarygarden sorrel is the most popular. Its characteristic features are a dark green leaf blade, which has a spear-like shape on a long petiole. This growth is rich in harvest and frost-free.
Altaicsorrel is characterized by a smooth, spear-shaped leaf blade. The leaves have a characteristic dark green color, but over time, a red tint appears at their ends. This variety has long and thin petioles. Altai sorrel tastes sour or moderately sour. This variety of sorrel tolerates frost well.
Belleville sorrel is quite popular due to its high yield and excellent quality. It is characterized by a slightly acidic taste and moderate frost resistance. The leaves are ovoid and light green in color, fleshy and large in appearance.
Lyons sorrel is characterized by a high yield, large greenish-yellow leaves on thick roots. The disadvantage of this variety is its weak frost resistance.
Maikop sorrel has large leaves with an ovoid shape of a greenish-yellow color. This variety gives an excellent harvest and tolerates frost normally.
Spinach sorrel has a slightly acidic taste and is characterized by matte narrow-lanceolate leaves green color with small specks.

The main varieties that are used for decorative purposes:

Silver
Silver Shield

Growing

Sorrel belongs to perennial cold-resistant plants, so it can be sown in late autumn or early winter. If sowing is done in spring, then sorrel will appear much later than after winter planting.

First you need to prepare the ground. To do this, the soil is carefully dug up, and all weeds are removed. You can fertilize the soil with a mixture of compost, superphosphate and potassium salt. For 1 m² you need one bucket of compost, as well as 1 tbsp. spoon of superphosphate and 1 tablespoon of potassium salt.

Then you need to make special grooves for sowing. Their depth should be up to 3 cm and maintain a distance of 25 cm between them. Sorrel seeds are very small, so it is better to sow in moist soil, while it is necessary to deepen them 5 mm into the soil. To sow 1 m² of soil, you need 1 gram of sorrel seeds. For simultaneous sprouting of seeds, it is recommended to sprinkle a little humus with sawdust in equal proportions.

In the spring season, you need to thin out the sorrel so that the distance between the plants is 4 cm.In the first year, it is recommended to feed the plant during the formation of leaves, using a mullein diluted with water in proportions of 1: 5, or chicken manure with water, where you need to adhere to proportions 1 :ten.

After each cut of sorrel leaves, you need to fertilize with mineral fertilizers in order to get an excellent harvest. Also, to prevent leaf burns, plants should be watered from a watering can with a strainer. To make the plant stronger for wintering, you need to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.

Sorrel tolerates bad weather well, because even frost is not afraid of it. The main thing is to make sure that the plant does not dry out in hot weather, it should be watered more often.

Flowering weakens the leaves of the sorrel, so you need to tear them off, because the flower stalks take on all the strength of this plant.

The time of day of harvesting plays a huge role. If the leaves are cut in the afternoon, then they wilt very quickly. If you collect sorrel through dew, then it will not be able to be stored for a long time, because it will begin to rot. Therefore, the best time is morning and evening.

Already at the end of summer, it is not recommended to pluck the sorrel completely, so as not to weaken the plant before wintering. Only old leaves can be collected, but young leaves and a bud should be left in place. Also, in the fall, it is advisable to spud the beds and mulch with humus.

Watch the TV show "6 acres" about growing sorrel.

In Russia, sorrel began to be eaten only at the end of the 18th century, because it was considered a weed, although they knew about its medicinal properties.
Young leaves of the plant do not have a sour taste, but, on the contrary, are characterized by softness and piquancy.
Sorrel is an excellent antidote for certain poisonings.
It is advisable to consume this plant only until the end of July, because then a sufficiently large amount of oxalic acid accumulates in its leaves, which is dangerous for the body.
For the first time, the ancient Romans learned about the beneficial properties of sorrel, but the French traditionally consider themselves the discoverers of this useful plant.