If you've never heard of sorrel, there's a good chance you're not alone. Sorrel isn't as popular as other nightshades. It's an edible herb that comes from the same family as buckwheat and rhubarb. While some varieties of sorrel grow wild, others are cultivated as an herb or leaf vegetable. Sorrel can be added to soups, salads and sauces for its health benefits. Many sorrel health benefits stem from the Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium and calcium it contains. Thanks to these nutrients, health benefits of sorrel include the ability fight sinus infections, soothe cancer sores, stabilize blood pressure and even help fight cancer.
Types of Sorrel
- Broad-leaf, Common or Garden Sorrel: The most readily available type of sorrel, a deep-rooted perennial with a sharp flavor and large, arrow-shaped leaves.
- French or Buckler-Leaf Sorrel: Cultivated, with a more mild flavor and smaller, more rounded leaves.
- Sheep's Sorrel: Sour like common sorrel with smaller leaves, typically foraged instead of cultivated, grows wild in the United States.
- Red-Veined Sorrel: A variety with deep red veins running through the leaves, the least-tart type or sorrel.
Sorrel Health Benefits
1. Reduces Mucus
Sorrel health benefits include the ability to reduce mucus production. It has a natural drying effect on the body that can help provide relief from congestion. Sorrel contains tannins, also found in tea. Tannins have natural astringent properties that help fight the overproduction of mucus. Sorrel works as a natural remedy for congestion caused by the common cold, allergies or sinus infections.2. Helps Fight Cancer
Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, sorrel health benefits include the ability to fight cancer. Sorrel contains high concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both vitamins play an important role in strengthening the immune system. Sheep sorrel in particular is known among cancer-fighting foods. It's one of the four ingredients in Essiac tea, an herbal cancer treatment. (1)