Sheep Sorrel Herb Powder

Originally native to Europe and Eurasia, sheep sorrel — a weedy perennial in the buckwheat family — now grows in temperate regions around the world. The small plant’s arrow-shaped leaves are popular among foragers for their tart, lemony flavor. Sheep sorrel herb powder consists of the dried aerial parts of the plant, including its stems, leaves and flowering stalks.

Sheep sorrel herb is a nutrient-dense, detoxifying herb with diuretic, mild laxative, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The powder may be used to make tinctures and other preparations, although it is most often used as an herbal supplement rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Sheep sorrel also contains a significant amount of oxalic acid and should not be used by anyone with a tendency to develop kidney stones.

Sheep sorrel is perhaps best known as one of the four ingredients (in addition to burdock root, turkey rhubarb root and slippery elm bark) in Essiac preparations.