Useful properties and contraindications of sorrel, recipes for traditional medicine and cooking

Such a healing herb as sorrel is used not only in traditional medicine recipes. It is also used in preparing various dishes. And all thanks to the beneficial properties of sorrel, which allow it to be used in decoctions, tinctures, in the form of compresses, as an adjuvant in the treatment of various diseases. However, before using folk compositions, familiarize yourself with the contraindications, since not in all cases the herb is beneficial, but can also cause harm to the human body.

Description and characteristics of the plant

The plant in question belongs to the Kislichnye genus, which has more than 800 representatives. It looks like a herbaceous subshrub, which has a knobby and creeping rhizome and trifoliate-shaped leaves. The flowering period of oxalis falls in May-June. The flowers are white; specimens with yellow or pink inflorescences are less common.

The medicinal herb has several other names, some of which are directly related to its sour taste: hare salt, borscht or sorrel. In Germany this plant is called sour clover.

Medicinal properties of culture

The collection of traditional medicine has long been replenished with recipes from this healing plant. The main beneficial properties of sorrel include:

• diuretic;
• choleretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antibacterial;
• antiparasitic.

In addition, the herb is often used to stop vomiting, reduce nausea and eliminate bad breath. Even in ancient times, dried and crushed oxalis grass was used to ensure the fastest healing of purulent wounds, and people saved themselves from scurvy with this plant by rubbing it into the gums.

This wild crop is also used in cooking; it is indispensable during periods of spring vitamin deficiency.

Use of sorrel in folk medicine

There are several time-tested recipes that traditional medicine advises for a particular disease.

Important! Before using plants, consult your doctor so as not to harm your health.

Decoction for rinsing with sore throat

To reduce discomfort and relieve inflammation in the throat with a sore throat, prepare a decoction from a useful plant. The herb is dried and ground into powder. Take 2 teaspoons and pour into a glass of water, stir. Place in an enamel container on the fire and wait until it boils. After this, reduce the heat to low and leave for another 10 minutes. When the broth has cooled, filter it and add cold boiled water to get the original volume. Gargle with warm broth three times a day until the painful symptoms disappear.

Decoction at high temperature

During the season of respiratory diseases, accompanied by high fever and body aches, such a decoction of medicinal herbs is prepared.

Procedure:

1. Take one tablespoon of fresh or dried herb.
2. Pour the raw material with 180 ml of hot milk (preferably homemade).
3. Keep the composition in a water bath for half an hour.
4. Cool to room temperature.

Traditional healers recommend drinking this drug three times a day, 30 minutes before eating. In addition to the antipyretic effect, sorrel stimulates the human immune system to fight infectious diseases and strengthens the general condition of the body.

Tincture for kidney and urinary tract diseases

For liver and kidney problems, a tincture of healing sour is prepared. You will need dry raw materials, a tablespoon of which is poured into 400 ml of hot water and brought to a boil over low heat. After this, they put it in a water bath - it is important that the container in which the drink is prepared is enameled. After this, leave for 15 minutes and filter through several layers of gauze. Drink half a glass three times a day while eating.

A tincture for treating the liver and kidneys is also prepared using alcohol. 50 grams of dried leaves are poured with 200 ml of good quality vodka. Leave for several weeks in a dark place. Take a teaspoon before meals three times a day.

Tincture for compresses for rheumatism and bruises

The tincture described in the previous paragraph is also used not only internally, but also externally. It is advisable to use it for rheumatism and bruises. A cloth or piece of gauze is soaked in it and applied to the affected area. On top is a piece of plastic film and a warm scarf or handkerchief. Leave for about half an hour.

It is advisable to do this procedure before bed, when you no longer need to go outside.

Juice with honey for diarrhea and inflammatory processes

If inflammatory processes have occurred in the intestines, a person has been poisoned by low-quality products, or long-term use of antibiotics has caused microflora disturbances, prepare juice from sorrel and mix it with a bee product.

Squeeze the juice from fresh herbs and mix it with honey in a ratio of 1 to 1. Drink this homemade medicine a tablespoon several times a day. This drug helps restore microflora and eliminates diarrhea in a short time.

Use in cooking

Not only traditional medicine appreciated the beneficial properties of this plant. It was also used in culinary dishes.

Oxalis puree

To prepare a vitamin dressing for soups and main courses, you will need fresh sorrel leaves. They are collected from young plants, washed under running water and laid out on a kitchen towel to dry. After this, they are ground into puree using a meat grinder, salt is added to the resulting puree and placed in sterile jars.This product should only be stored in the refrigerator. Also, as an option, the puree is packaged in portions and frozen so that one part is enough to prepare a dish.

Green cabbage soup with sorrel

Oxalis becomes an alternative to sorrel in spring. The ingredient set for green cabbage soup is as follows:

• potato tubers 60 grams;
• 50 g of oxalis herb;
• half a boiled egg;
• one small onion;
• 300 g chicken broth (can be replaced with plain water);
• a tablespoon of butter;
• 10-15 ml sour cream;
• salt and spices are added to your taste.

Bring the pre-cooked broth to a boil. Potatoes cut into medium cubes are dipped into it and boiled for about 15 minutes. In a frying pan, separately in butter, fry the finely chopped onion until golden brown and add to the cabbage soup. Next, finely chopped sorrel. A few minutes before it’s ready, add salt and add your favorite spices. Before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped egg and place sour cream on a plate.

Product consumption is indicated for one serving of green cabbage soup.

Contraindications to the use of the herb and its harm

Before using the herb for food or preparing homemade medicines from it, become familiar with the contraindications of sorrel. There are cases when the use of the plant will harm the human body. These points include:

• arthrosis and arthritis;
• gout;
• chronic urinary tract diseases;
• childhood;
• pregnancy.

In order not to harm your health, be sure to consult your doctor before using herbs.