Horse (wild) sorrel is a plant that I consider weedy. Summer residents fiercely get rid of it in the plots, since its root system is very powerful and deep. Wild sorrel can be collected in fields, abandoned wastelands and dumps. However, it is curative and has a broad therapeutic effect, therefore it is used to treat more than a dozen diseases.
The healing power of horse sorrel is contained in the whole plant. Its roots contain 4% anthraquinone and its derivatives (a powerful laxative), as well as up to 12% tannins, flavonoids and caffeic acid. All plant tissues, but especially the roots (9%) contain oxalic acid calcium. Horse sorrel seeds contain tannins and also anthraquinone. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain many different flavonoids, as well as rutin, carotene, hyperoside and ascorbic acid.
Horse sorrel has the following properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- anti-atherosclerotic;
- antimicrobial;
- diuretic;
- antispasmodic;
- expectorant;
- hypotensive;
- astringent;
- choleretic;
- laxative;
- reparative;
- carminative;
- sedative;
- hemostatic.
Preparations from the roots of wild sorrel are used in small doses as an astringent, and in increased doses - to provide a laxative effect in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of various types: colitis, enteritis, constipation.
Medicines from the rest of the plant have a hemostatic, hypotensive effect and are used for abscesses, cracks in the anus, in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Leaves, stems, flowers, wild sorrel seeds have an antihelminthic effect, stimulate the muscles of the large intestine, improve the process of bile secretion, and are used in the treatment of vitamin deficiency.
Infusions and decoctions from wild horse sorrel are used externally to treat diseases of the oral cavity, such as various tonsillitis, ulcers and stomatitis, and to relieve the manifestations of skin diseases.
In case of constipation, pour 60 g of crushed dried roots with a liter of water, boil for a quarter of an hour, insist and take 20 g at intervals of three hours until the effect is exerted.
For diarrhea, boil 10 g of chopped roots in a liter of water. Divide one glass of the resulting broth into three doses per day.
Also, for diarrhea and constipation, powder from roots and seeds is used. As a fastening agent, the powder is taken three times a day, a quarter of a gram (0.25). A laxative effect is provided by a powder administered once in an amount of up to one gram.
Tincture from the rhizomes of the plant helps against rheumatism. 20 g of roots (dry, grind) to insist on 100 ml of vodka for one and a half weeks. The medicine is taken three times a day, 20 drops.
A decoction from the roots in the following proportion has an antihelminthic effect: 2 tbsp. l. raw materials in a glass of boiling water, cook for half an hour. This broth is diluted with water in half and a glass is taken a day for three doses. The root decoction is also used externally to rinse the mouth and throat.
For allergic manifestations: eczema, rashes, abscesses and itching - for oral administration, prepare an infusion of 20 g of finely chopped green horse sorrel leaves with two glasses of water. A glass of infusion - for 4 doses.
Outwardly, for skin problems, use a fresh plant for lotions and baths. A paste is prepared from fresh crushed roots mixed with fermented milk products, with which the affected areas are lubricated.
