The ancient Greeks regarded sorrel as a magical herb because it was used to successfully treat many diseases, such as high fever, rickets in children, scurvy, wounds in the mouth, bladder and kidney problems, etc. Externally it was used as a compress for burns or rubbed into the skin for scabies. We now know that the “magic” of this plant is in its high vitamin C content. Sorrel is not only exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, and B9, as well as some essential minerals, it also possesses powerful anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. It’s rich in oxalic acid which enables it to arrest metastasizing of cancer cells. However, because of the high oxalic acid content, sorrel may not be suitable for those suffering from rheumatism, and kidney stones. To benefit from this fantastic herb, include it in your diet as often as you can. You can use it as a fresh or dried herb in salads or soups, or as a tea. It adds a lemony flavor to sauces and can replace lemon in salad dressing.
Helps digestion
There are different varieties of sorrel, and they are all high in fiber. Dietary fiber is important for good heart health because it helps reduce cholesterol. Besides, sorrel has laxative properties and can help with various digestive disorders. As a tea, it can be used to prevent constipation, bloating and stomach cramps, however, too much can cause diarrhea.
Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Besides healthy living habits, food rich in potassium, a mineral necessary for healthy blood vessels and arteries, helps you maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Sorrel is loaded with important minerals, including potassium, which helps your cardiovascular system function smoothly. Consuming it regularly, regardless of the form you take it in, will lower your blood pressure, and thus reduces the chance of blood clotting.
Prevents cancer
Sorrel is very rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from the damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have many functions in the body, cancer prevention being one of the most important ones. One of the varieties, the so-called sheep sorrel, is particularly good for breast cancer, because of its high content of vitamins, minerals, and particularly chlorophyll. Studies show that chlorophyll increases the supply of oxygen in the body, and this destroys cancer cells because they cannot survive in the oxygen-rich environment.
Improves eyesight
Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight. As sorrel is very rich in this vitamin, so including it in your diet, either fresh or dried, will greatly improve the health of your eyes. Besides, beta-carotene in vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant which is important for the prevention of some of the age-related eye diseases. Beta-carotene is also known to help prevent premature aging.
Boosts your energy levels
Sorrel is rich in iron, which not only prevents anemia but increases your overall energy levels. By improving oxygen circulation throughout the body, sorrel indirectly improves the health of all your vital organs and bodily functions. One of the reasons good oxygen circulation in the body is very important is that it creates an environment where cancer cells cannot multiply and grow.
Boosts immune system
Sorrel is exceptionally high in vitamin C, and 1 cup of this herb provides 100% of your daily requirements of this vitamin. This means that including this herb in your diet is a relatively easy way of ensuring good health throughout the year. Considering that vitamin C helps you fight infection, inflammation, as well as free radicals, and boosts your immune system, you should make it a priority to stock up on this herb.
Regulates hypertension
High blood pressure is the most common cause of stroke, and heart attack, so regulating hypertension should be the priority of everyone suffering from cardiovascular diseases. To reduce blood pressure naturally, try drinking sorrel tea. This is particularly relevant to those who happen to have type-2 diabetes. 2-3 cups of sorrel tea a day (every day), can significantly lower your blood pressure.
Prevents hair loss
Sorrel can be successfully used to help reduce dryness of hair, and all commercial hair care products use this herb. Sorrel can even help slow down baldness if regularly applied to affected areas. It’s an effective, 100% natural cure for hair loss, as well as other damaged-hair problems.
Strengthens bones
Being rich in calcium, sorrel helps maintain healthy bones. This is particularly important for women, who after menopause start losing bone mass pretty quickly. Something as simple as adding sorrel to your salad, or soup, can prevent osteoporosis in old age. The trick is to start using sorrel before the first signs of age-related bone diseases appear.
Has antibacterial properties
Sorrel is rich in antibacterial properties which helps you fight all kinds of infections. It is successfully used to treat wounds, urinary infections, scurvy, ulcers, boils, jaundice, chronic catarrh, ringworm, fevers, and itchy skin.
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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.