Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)

Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is a member of the Polygonaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its leaves, roots, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, astringent, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Sorrel
Scientific Name	Rumex acetosella
Plant Family	Polygonaceae
Genus	Rumex
Species	acetosella
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Roots, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Astringent, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rumex acetosella
Common Name: Common Sorrel
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Yellow Sorrel, Lousewort, Common Sorrel
Plant Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with reddish veins on the lower surface and a glabrous upper surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Small, yellowish flowers arranged in dense clusters, actinomorphic, with five sepals and five petals, each petal marked with a distinct purple spot at the base.
Stems: Climbing, twining stems with opposite branching, smooth surface, and adventitious root formation at nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Traditionally described as a gentle diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a calming astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a cooling bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers silty loam with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in low fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.