Background

Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a plant that grows in mild climates worldwide. It contains oxalate, which gives it a sour flavor.

Sorrel contains tannins, which have a drying effect that reduce mucous production.

People use sorrel for breast cancer, bronchitis, swelling in the sinuses, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse sorrel with wood sorrel, yellow dock, or Hibiscus sabdariffa. These are not the same. Products containing sorrel are available over-the-counter and by prescription in some European countries.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Sorrel is possibly safe when consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sorrel is safe to use as medicine.

Sorrel is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts. Large amounts might increase the risk of developing kidney stones, or damage the liver or stomach.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sorrel is possibly safe when consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if sorrel is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Large amounts of sorrel might increase the risk of kidney stones. Speak with a healthcare professional before using sorrel if you have ever had or are at risk of getting kidney stones.

Surgery: Sorrel can slow blood clotting. This might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using sorrel at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of sorrel might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Fexofenadine (Allegra)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sorrel might decrease how much fexofenadine the body absorbs. Taking sorrel along with fexofenadine might decrease its effects.

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Sorrel might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sorrel might slow blood clotting. Taking sorrel along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Calcium: Using sorrel along with calcium might decrease the absorption of calcium. Sorrel contains oxalate, which can bind with calcium and keep it from being absorbed.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Sorrel might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Iron: Using sorrel along with iron might decrease the absorption of iron. Sorrel contains oxalate, which can bind with iron and keep it from being absorbed.
Zinc: Using sorrel along with zinc might decrease the absorption of zinc. Sorrel contains oxalate, which can bind with zinc and keep it from being absorbed.

Interactions with foods

Sorrel might decrease how much calcium, iron, and zinc the body absorbs from food.