Sorrel Leaves: Benefits, Nutrients & How To Use
Take your health up a notch by adding this nutritionally rich veggie to your diet.
Mollie Meldahl is a plant-based Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer based out of Austin, TX, with 8 years of experience. She has been following a plant-based lifestyle for over six years and currently counsels clients on transitioning to a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse heart disease.
Read full bio of Mollie Meldahl
Experience: 2 yearsTanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.
Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary
Experience: 10 yearsRavi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.
Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Experience: 2 yearsMoksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.
Read full bio of Moksha Gandhi
StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.
Image: shutter stock
Have you ever heard of a green leafy vegetable that is chosen for its taste? Yes, we are talking about sorrel leaves. Preferred by many because of their taste, they are also rich in nutrients. The benefits of sorrel leaves are numerous and are gaining the attention of many health enthusiasts.
Although all green leafy veggies contain many beneficial nutrients, the right balance of taste and nutrition makes sorrel leaves unique. Want to read more about these leaves and learn about their benefits? Continue reading.
Know Your Ingredient: Sorrel LeafWhat Is It?
A leafy vegetable native to Europe and North Asia with a sour taste.
What Are Its Benefits?
It helps improve eyesight, immunity, and digestive health as well as aids in detoxification, weight loss, and wound healing.
Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can consume it except for people with skin diseases and rashes or asthma.
How Often?
It can be consumed daily in moderation.
Caution
Excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and liver diseases.
In This Article
Sorrel – A Brief
Scientific Name –Rumex acetosaNative –
Europe and North Asia
Sorrel is a perennial herb, also known as sheep sorrel, spinach dock, sour grabs and grass because of its sharp, tart and sour taste (1). The herb is often confused with spinach and hibiscus. Sheep sorrel has spade-shaped leaves and reddish-green flowers that turn purple after full bloom, which denotes their acidic nature. Its seeds are brown in color.
Remember the special Essiac tea? Sorrel leaf is one of the key ingredients in this beverage.
Nutritional Information
- Sorrel is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, and B9.
- It has high amounts of vitamin C.
- It contains oxalic acid, which causes its sour taste.
- Rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron.
- Though it is rich in proteins and carbohydrates, it has a negligible quantity of fats.
- Rich in flavonoids.
Now, let’s take a look at the different health benefits these green leaves have to offer.
Benefits Of Sorrel Leaves
- Improve Eyesight
- Help In Weight Loss
- Detoxify Your Body
- Prevent Cancer And Tumor
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduce Cold Sores And Fever Blisters
- Cure Skin Diseases
- Helpful In Reducing Milk Flow
- Prevent Scurvy
- Treat Insomnia And Hypertension
- Make Your Hair Healthy
- Heal Wounds
- Strengthen Bones
- Treat Anemia
- Helpful In Treating Urinary Tract Infection, Gonorrhea, And Hemorrhages
- Enhance Your Digestive Health
- Boost Energy
- Strengthen Immunity
- Help Maintain Renal Health
Health Benefits Of Sorrel Leaves
1. Improve Eyesight
If you have been experiencing vision problems lately, it’s time you add these leaves to your diet to improve your eye health.
Sorrel leaves contain a good amount of vitamin A, which helps improve eyesight and eliminate night blindness (caused by vitamin A deficiency) (2), (3).
2. Help In Weight Loss
Looking forward to shedding a few pounds to fit into your sexy little black dress for that dinner date? Why don’t you go for sorrel leaves?
Sorrel leaves are rich in many vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. They contain a negligible amount of fat and are low in calories. Therefore, sorrel leaves are a good option for health-conscious people who want to lose weight.
[ Read: Power Yoga Help In Weight Loss ]
3. Detoxify Your Body
Sorrel contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that make it a good diuretici Any substance or medication that encourages diuresis (excessive urine production) to flush out excess salt and water. and purgativei Any ingredient or medication that strongly encourages bowel movements, resulting in increased fluid excretion. .
This helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body. Sorrel leaves contain protocatechuic acid that aids in body detox. Sorrel tea and sorrel-infused water are often used for detoxification of the body. It also relieves bloating (4).
Trivia4. Prevent Cancer And Tumor
Did you know sorrel leaves are also used in herbal cancer treatment?
The oxalic acid present in the fresh sorrel leaves acts as a preventive measure for cancers and tumors. But remember to limit your intake as excessive consumption can be harmful. Sorrel leaves contain chlorophyll and carotenoids along with many vitamins and minerals that help in fighting, preventing, and treating breast cancer (5).
5. Lower Blood Pressure
In today’s day and age, we see a lot of people falling victim to hypertensioni High blood pressure; a reading of 140/90 or higher suggesting that the blood is pushing too hard against the arterial walls. due to stress. Sorrel leaves can help keep your blood pressure under control.
Sorrel leaves are rich in antioxidants that help in lowering the bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body as well as reducing overall inflammation. This results in lower blood pressure levels and improved heart health (6).
6. Reduce Cold Sores And Fever Blisters
Cold sores
and fever blisters usually occur around the lips and the mouth and the skin around them is sore and painful.
Sorrel leaves are rich in flavonoids and oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins that have proven to be helpful in treating cold sores and fever blisters.
Trivia7. Cure Skin Diseases
Sorrel leaves are like an elixir for our skin, fighting all types of skin diseases like eczemai A chronic condition with periodic flare-ups, leaving you with dry, itchy skin and weakened skin barrier function. , ringworm, etc.
Sorrel is rich in vitamin C. In fact, a bowl of sorrel soup can provide up to 53% of the daily intake of vitamin C, which helps in the treatment of many skin issues and diseases (7). Dried sorrel leaves are used to treat itching and ringworms. Sorrel leaves, when used as a face pack, prevent wrinkles and tighten the skin. They also have antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties.
8. Helpful In Reducing Milk Flow
Sorrel is considered safe for women as it helps prevent breast cancer. But doctors advise against the consumption of sorrel during and post-pregnancy. It can be because sorrel has some side effects and can harm the baby, and also because sorrel reduces the production of breastmilk. However, this effect becomes useful at the time of weaning when the aim is to reduce and lessen the flow of milk.
9. Prevent Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C. Sorrel, being rich in vitamin C, prevents and cures this painful condition (8).
10. Treat Insomnia And Hypertension
Hypertension can lead to sleepless nights. And you know how important it is to have a sound sleep. If you are sleep-deprived and are looking for a remedy to solve your problem, here’s help. Drink a glass of sorrel tea or add a few herbs to your salad. Trust me, it works!
Sorrel leaves are used to treat insomnia and hypertension (9). You can make sorrel tea with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, or heat sorrel leaves with castor oil and consumes it.
11. Make Your Hair Healthy
Sorrel leaves are an excellent tonic for your mane. They can make your hair healthy, strong, and lustrous.
Sorrel is rich in vitamins A, B, and C. All these vitamins are amazing for dry and damaged hair. They also prevent and stop hair fall and treat baldness.
12. Heal Wounds
The anti-inflammatory properties of sorrel leaves come in handy when you want to treat any wounds.
Sorrel leaves treat ulcers, boils, swelling, and scorbutic diseases effectively. They can be used as an antidote for scorpion poison too.
13. Strengthen Bones
You know that these leaves are rich in calcium, so why not strengthen your bones by including them in your diet? They are
especially beneficial for women as their bones become weak once they reach their 30s.
14. Treat Anemia
Most women become anemic due to lack of nutrition, and heavy bleeding during periods or post-pregnancy.
Sorrel is a good source of iron, sodium, and phosphorus and also contains chlorophyll. It helps in increasing the hemoglobin level in the body and is hence beneficial for people with anemia.
15. Helpful In Treating Urinary Tract Infection, Gonorrhea, And Hemorrhages
Sorrel leaves can help treat various conditions like Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), gonorrhea, and hemorrhage.
The diuretici Any substance or medication that encourages diuresis (excessive urine production) to flush out excess salt and water. properties of sorrel help in the treatment of UTIs (10).
16. Enhance Your Digestive Health
Adding this wonder leaf to your drinks, soups, and salads can improve your digestion by preventing various conditions like constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and many other gastrointestinal disorders.
Sorrel or dock leaves are full of dietary fiber. 100 grams of sorrel has 2.9 grams of dietary fiber (11). It adds bulk to the stools, which makes bowel movements easy.
17. Boost Energy
Feeling tired after a long day at work? Consuming sorrel can help revive your lost energy levels. Here’s how.
Sorrel is a decent source of iron (11). Regular consumption of sorrel may lower the risk of anemia. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
18. Strengthen Immunity
Regular consumption of sorrel leaves can protect your body from toxins and harmful elements.
The vitamin C content in sorrel helps to optimize and strengthen your immunity. The ascorbic acid also increases the WBC count and antibodies, thus protecting your body from foreign invasion (12).
19. Help Maintain Renal Health
Sorrel leaves are perfect for your kidneys.
The diuretici Any substance or medication that encourages diuresis (excessive urine production) to flush out excess salt and water. properties of sorrel help in maintaining kidney health. It stimulates the flow of urine, thereby ensuring detoxification of the kidneys.
How To Use Sorrel Leaves
Sheep sorrel is most commonly used to prepare sauces and soups. Sorrel soup is a famous dish made with eggs, chicken stock, and cream. Its pureed sauce is served with fish. Young, fresh sorrel leaves are also mixed in salads because of their lemon-like taste. In Jamaica, sorrel leaves and flowers are used to make tea, which is served both hot and chilled. It is also mixed with buttermilk or used to prepare smoothies and juices.
Let’s take a look at a few recipes now.
1. Sorrel Leaves Tea
Let’s begin with the humble tea.
What You Need
- A handful of sorrel leaves
- Cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 cup hot water
- Sweetener of your choice (sugar syrup or honey)
How To Make
- Boil water and transfer it to a pitcher. Add dried sorrel leaves and spices to the pitcher.
- Strain the mixed water after five minutes into a cup and add sweetener. Your hot tea is ready to be served.
Note:
You can make iced sorrel tea too. For that, you will have to keep the spices and sorrel overnight in the fridge.
2. Sorrel Leaf Drink – Caribbean Style
Why not give your boring drink a Caribbean twist?
What You Need
- 2 cups dried sorrel leaves
- 1 tbsp white rice (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- 8 allspice berries
- 6 cloves
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 cup sugar
How To Make
- Add sugar, spices, juice, rice, ginger, and four cups of water in a saucepan and let it boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the dried sorrel leaves. Cover the mix and let it set for a day.
- Strain the mix and refrigerate. Serve chilled.
3. Sorrel Soup
Sorrel is an excellent ingredient for soups. Here’s how you can make lip-smacking soup.
What You Need
- 3 cups sorrel leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 chopped sweet onion
- 5 to 6 small potatoes (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (your choice)
- 1 lightly beaten egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing with an ingredient of your choice (coriander, yogurt or cucumber slices)
How To Make
- Cut the sorrel leaves in ribbons and place them aside.
- Heat the butter on medium flame in a large saucepan.
- Add onions and cook until they turn brown.
- Add sorrel and potatoes to the pan. Add enough broth to cover the potatoes.
- Bring the mix to a boil. Lower the heat and cook till the potatoes are soft and well cooked. This will take you another 15 minutes.
- Now, blend half the content into a smooth puree. Repeat until all the content gets pureed.
- Transfer it back into the pan and whisk the eggs with a portion of the soup.
- Add the egg to the pan and cook till the mix thickens.
- Your soup is ready! Add salt and pepper, and garnish with ingredients of your choice.
In addition to these recipes, you can use dried or full sorrel leaves in a variety of dishes. Here are a few interesting ones:
- Sorrel sauce works well with fishes.
- Add them to your omelet mix.
- Use them as a stuffing for meat.
- Can be used in mashed potatoes.
- Use with hummus and pasta.
- Make sorrel pesto and use it on pizzas.
It is essential to know where to buy the highest quality sorrel leaves to reap their benefits. Learn more in the next section.
Where To Buy Sorrel Leaves?
You can find sorrel leaves in local grocery stores and supermarkets in well-stocked produce sections, especially in regions where this herb is commonly used for cooking. You also can explore farmers’ markets to procure freshly harvested sorrel leaves. You also may check online grocery stores and specialized herb retailers for dried sorrel leaves, especially if fresh sorrel is not readily available in your area.
Ensure the sorrel you are purchasing is vibrant in color and not wilted or discolored.
A Word Of Caution
Like all other herbs, sorrel leaves too can have some adverse effects.
- Sorrel contains a good amount of oxalic acid. It decreases the body’s ability to absorb calcium, leading to the formation of kidney stones. Sorrel leaves that have passed their tender age have a higher amount of oxalic acid. So, it is better to use the tender ones.
- Due to the presence of oxalic acid, sorrel must not be cooked in aluminum or iron cookware as the acid reaction with the metal makes it toxic and inedible.
- Consuming high amounts of sorrel can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and liver diseases.
- People suffering from skin diseases or asthma should avoid sorrel.
Infographic: 7 Reasons To Add Sorrel Leaves To Your Diet
While numerous green leafy vegetables taste good, sorrel leaves top the list. The perfect combination of amazing taste and high nutrient content makes them an excellent addition to one’s diet. We have rounded up 7 benefits of sorrel leaves in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The benefits of sorrel leaves are numerous. Apart from adding a tangy flavor to your cooking, these leaves also promote overall health. They can improve vision, aid in weight loss, reduce the risk of cancer, and strengthen bones. These leaves can also detoxify the body, heal wounds, treat skin diseases, and enhance digestive, renal, and immune health. Include these leaves in your regular diet to reap their benefits. Try any of the recipes mentioned above to enjoy sorrel leaves healthily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sorrel leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, sorrel leaves can be eaten raw. Their sour and tangy flavor can give salads, sandwiches, and smoothies a refreshing boost. However, it is best to consume them in moderation to avoid adverse reactions.
What is the best way to incorporate sorrel into my diet?
Include sorrel in your diet by slicing fresh leaves into salads for a refreshing taste. You can add them to smoothies, soups, and sauces too. To further appreciate its refreshing flavor and nutritional advantages, try making sorrel pesto, omelet stuffing, or herbal tea.
Is sorrel good for diabetes?
Yes. Sorrel has anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties that help treat diabetes (13).
Can you drink sorrel every day?
Sorrel is considered safe to drink every day if it is consumed in moderation. However, consuming large amounts of sorrel is unsafe and may cause kidney stones.
Is sorrel the same as spinach?
No. Sorrel closely resembles spinach. However, sorrel leaves are richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than spinach.
Key Takeaways
- Sorrel leaves contain minerals that may help reduce the risk of cancer and treat anemia.
- Sorrel leaves may help detoxify the body, heal wounds, and treat skin diseases.
- The vitamin C in sorrel may help build immunity and increase the WBC count.
- Regular consumption of sorrel leaves is excellent for maintaining renal health.
- Sorrel leaves are used to make sauces, soups, teas, smoothies, drinks, and pestos.
Illustration: Amazing Health Benefits Of Sorrel Leaves
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Want to discover the incredible health benefits of sorrel leaves? Watch this informative video now to learn how incorporating them into your diet can enhance your overall well-being.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.): Not Only a Weed but a Promising Vegetable and Medicinal Plant
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12229-020-09225-z - European Database of Carotenoid Levels in Foods. Factors Affecting Carotenoid Content
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8143354/ - Reversible night blindness – A reminder of the increasing importance of vitamin A deficiency in the developed world
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880510/ - Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on Esherichia coli O157:H7 Isolated from Food Veterinary and Clinical Samples
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3157304/ - The cytotoxic effect of Iraqi Rumex acetosella against breast and esophagus cancer cells
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354477400_The_cytotoxic_effect_of_Iraqi_Rumex_acetosella_against_breast_and_esophagus_cancer_cells - An assessment of bioactive compounds and antioxidants in some tropical legumes seeds fruits and spices
https://www.academia.edu/7653572/An_assessment_of_bioactive_compounds_and_antioxidants_in_some_tropical_legumes_seeds_fruits_and_spices - Micropropagation protocol for the hybrid sorrel Rumex tianschanicus×Rumex patientia an energy plant. Histological SEM and flow cytometric analyses
https://www.academia.edu/17124037/Micropropagation_protocol_for_the_hybrid_sorrel_Rumex_tianschanicus_Rumex_patientia_an_energy_plant._Histological_SEM_and_flow_cytometric_analyses - Vitamin C Deficiency
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/ - Vascular mechanisms underlying the hypotensive effect of Rumex acetosa
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29560776/ - Roselle for hypertension in adults
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7182310/ - Dock raw
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170076/nutrients - Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16373990/ - Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Antiobesity Potential of Selected Traditional Medicinal Plants
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332638378_Evaluation_of_Antioxidant_Antidiabetic_and_Antiobesity_Potential_of_Selected_Traditional_Medicinal_Plants
Read full bio of Mollie Meldahl
Read full bio of Tanya Choudhary
Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Read full bio of Moksha Gandhi
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.