Sorrel Water

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Sorrel water (lat. Rumex aquaticus) - a rare species of the genus Sorrel of the Buckwheat family. Lover of swampy and damp places. Typical habitats are shallow marshes, damp meadows and fields. In nature, it is found on the territory of Russia (most often in Siberia and the Primorsky Territory), some European countries, including Great Britain, and Asian countries. Other names are water sorrel.

Characteristics of culture

Water sorrel is represented by perennial herbaceous plants with an erect, furrowed stem, pubescent with hairs over the entire surface. The plant does not exceed 1.5 m in height, and the smallest specimens reach a height of 40-50 cm. The foliage of the species under consideration is simple, sharp at the tips, bare, whole-edged, located alternately. The lower foliage is different. It has elongated grooved petioles and a triangular shape.

The flowers are bisexual, equipped with a green perianth, collected in inflorescences in the form of lush panicles. The flowering of the culture is observed in early summer, as a rule, in the second decade of June - the third decade of July, which completely depends on climatic conditions. The fruits are represented by dark brown nuts, which do not exceed 3 mm in length and 1.7 mm in width.

Application in various fields

Like many representatives of the genus, water sorrel is actively used in folk medicine. This is due to the rich composition of the plants. For medicinal purposes, almost all parts of plants are used, that is, roots, foliage and seeds. Small amounts of infusions and juice from them help to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract, prevent bloating and constipation. However, it is worth remembering that there is a lot of oxalic acid in the plant, respectively, an overdose promises the opposite effect, or rather, diarrhea.

It is also known that infusions and juice from water sorrel are useful for blood vessels. They help cleanse, strengthen, increase elasticity and prevent blockages, which are especially important for the health of the heart muscle. Traditional healers often advise drinking water sorrel infusion for people suffering from venous varicose veins. In this case, the infusion is prepared as follows: for 6 tbsp. l. crushed foliage take 500 ml of water, insist for at least 4 hours, and then take 150 ml three times a day 10-15 minutes before meals.

Sorrel roots are endowed with astringent, tonic, diuretic, laxative and choleretic properties. However, it is important to use them for medicinal purposes with extreme caution, you must first consult a doctor and take the infusion strictly in the recommended dosage. Infusion from the roots is effective in the fight against diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, as the prevention of cancer, as well as in the treatment of skin ailments.