There are several hundred species worldwide of wood sorrel, although one is native to Germany: the Walsauerklee, which is used in other areas besides medicine and folk medicine, where it serves as a medicinal plant. In moderation, the consumption of the plant is healthy.
Occurrence and cultivation of wood sorrel
The plant takes its name from its sour-tasting leaves, which are composed of long leaf stalks with three small heart-shaped leaflets. Wood sorrel (Oxalis) is not from the butterfly family like typical clovers in this country, but belongs to the wood sorrel family. The plant takes its name from its sour-tasting leaves, which are composed of long leaf stalks with three small heart-shaped leaflets. Like rhubarb, wood sorrel owes its sour taste to the ingredient oxalic acid. Another name for oxalic acid is clover salt. The clover plant grows in groups and reaches a height of up to ten centimeters. It should not be confused with wood anemone, which also blooms white. The white flowers of wood sorrel appear in the spring and sit on long stalks. Too much darkness, brightness, nearby shocks or other unfavorable living conditions cause wood sorrel to react: The plant folds down its horizontal leaves and the flowers close. Wood Sorrel finds the best living conditions in deciduous and coniferous forests, where it is found in many areas of Europe.
Effect and application
Possible applications for wood sorrel exist beyond its use as a medicinal plant. Wood sorrel served as a medicinal plant in ancient times. The herb, collected in its prime, could be made into a paste capable of soothing ulcers. In anthroposophic medicine, which complements conventional medicine with spiritual scientific knowledge, wood sorrel is used today to harmonize the metabolism. It is also used for biliousness, gastrointestinal cramps and to stimulate liver activity. In addition, wood sorrel helps with diseases of the skin, serves as an emetic and as an antidote for poisoning by mercury or arsenic. Due to the high content of vitamin C, wood sorrel can be successfully used in cases of vitamin C deficiency. Wood sorrel has a diuretic and blood purifying effect. It helps against spring tiredness, sore throat, strengthens the stomach and stimulates appetite. Compresses with a tincture or essence of wood sorrel can be placed directly on the abdomen, where they initially feel cold. The cold stimulus stimulates blood circulation. Leave the compress on for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how you feel. In some cases, it may be useful to apply a compress daily. As a rule, a single application is sufficient. When fresh, the leaves of the plant can be used as a tea, which is said to relieve heartburn and skin rashes. To prepare the tea, brew fresh wood sorrel with a liter of hot water, infuse for a few minutes and sweeten with honey if necessary. The roots of wood sorrel can be boiled with sugar and perform well as a laxative and for healing wounds. The fresh juice of wood sorrel, spread on ulcers and tumors that are external to the skin tissue, is also said to achieve good healing results: Wash the leaves beforehand and juice them in a household centrifuge while they are still wet. The human stomach tolerates few fresh leaves of the plant. The content of oxalic acid can cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract or the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, do not eat wood sorrel every day. Once a month is healthy. People with a tendency to form kidney stones should not consume the leaves of wood sorrel: Oxalic acid inhibits the absorption of calcium and promotes the formation of kidney stones.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
Wood sorrel exerts its effects through the skin and stomach. It supports and harmonizes the metabolism of the digestive organs and has a diuretic effect. It is also suitable as a therapy against flatulence and cramps in the abdomen. That is why wood sorrel promotes mental balance, since signs of mental imbalance are usually digestive disorders. We are all at the mercy of the stress of everyday life. Many new impressions and demands, which we do not process immediately, make us absorb food too quickly: The result is a congestion in the stomach. If we ingest wood sorrel and at the same time allow ourselves a rest, an impulse of harmony occurs, which helps us to come to rest.In case of restlessness, nervousness, abdominal cramps and non-specific abdominal pain
Wood sorrel has a calming effect. It strengthens the vital forces, stimulates digestion and quenches thirst. Its use is also recommended for vegetative disorders of the stomach and intestines, biliary and renal colic, insect bites and weather sensitivity. Wood sorrel is not suitable for injuries in the abdominal area. In cooking, the leaves of wood sorrel can be used as a substitute for lemon juice in soups, jams, and other dishes because of their tart, lemony flavor. In some areas, it is customary to store the leaves of sorrel pickled in sugar for use as a condiment during the winter. For many years, the salt of oxalic acid was used in textile dyeing to remove stains. It was also used to clean copper and brass. However, nowadays the salt can be produced synthetically, so wood sorrel lost its importance in this respect. Other possible applications are wood sorrel compresses such as ready-made compresses and fresh plant compresses. Ready-made compresses can be placed directly on the skin and are suitable for travelling. Fresh sorrel leaves can also be applied directly to the skin (fresh plant compress). This is a free and effective application option of wood sorrel.
