Sorrel Sorrel: description of the plant

Sorrel is acidic - widely known and widespread plant, belonging to the family of buckwheat. In total there are about 200 species. Most are weeds. In the wild they grow in meadows, fringes, glades, in thin forests and on grassy slopes. Sorrel grows throughout Russia: near lakes, in kitchen gardens. Territorially observed in Siberia, the Caucasus, Ukraine and even the Far East.

Sorrel sorrel: botanical description

A perennial plant stretches to a maximum of a meter in height. His stems are very branchy. Leaves, depending on location, differ in shape. The leaves, which are located at the top, are called sedentary and have a more elongated appearance. And those that are below - petiolate. At the very base of the stem, there are swept leaves. The flowers of the sorrel are red and yellow and collected in a trowel. The flowering of this plant falls at the end of spring and lasts until June. A nut on a red stalk is the fruit of sorrel. Root system is rod, branched, thin, in the upper layer of the soil creates a rhizome.

The size of the upper part of the root is 10-15 mm in diameter, and the depth is 25 cm. The lateral branches of the root are thin. On its head, new shoots are formed, from which then rosettes with leaves appear. They have their own furry root system, which consists of thin lateral branches. In length - up to 10-15 cm. The main part of the roots is in the arable line (0-25 cm). Separate branches pierce in depth by 35-40 cm. The uniqueness of the root of sorrel is that it accumulates a lot of nutrient enzymes, due to which the plant tolerates winter frosts well. But if the street is minus 15 degrees and there is no snow cover, then the plant freezes and dies.

Cultivation

Sorrel is acidic (the photo of the plant is presented in the article) is frost-resistant, for its cultivation the soil must be moistened, fertile and clean. It is better if it is sandy loam or loam. He also prefers soil, which is well fertilized with humus. Not bad grows on peat and drained lands. Seed sowing occurs in summer, spring and even under winter. In summer, the plant should be watered regularly. Planting for the winter is carried out in October - November. At such a late time, the seeds are sown only because before the onset of severe frost the grains will not have time to sprout. At this time the sorrel sour is best sown in places where the climate is temperate. Seeds are recommended to plant the beds to a depth of 2 cm. After a week and a half, sprouts will be visible, and three more - the plant can be used for its own purposes.

Care

A year after sowing the soil of sorrel should be regularly loosened and weeded from weeds. Also, the grass must be systematically fertilized, protected from pests. A month before the frost, the leaves need to be cut off. In the autumn, it is better to pour humus or compost into the soil of the plant. After a year of planting, you can make mineral fertilizers, but only in small amounts, otherwise the plant can burn.

Drug and nutritional value

The value of this plant is that it has many chemical compounds necessary for the human body. Therefore, we should first of all find out and remember what is contained in sorrel and how much its composition is useful to man. Its components are:

• Water - 91%;
• Proteins - 2.3%;
• Fats - 0,5%;
• Carbohydrates - 2,6%;
• Dietary fiber - 0.8%;
• Organic acids - 0,9%;
• Ash - 1.4%.

The composition of oxalic acid includes macronutrients: a complex of calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine. Microelements - a complex of iron, iodine, manganese, copper, zinc, fluorine. The plant is rich in such vitamins as: A, B1, B2, B3 / PP, B5, B9 - folic acid, C, E, K - phylloquinone; H is biotin.

Sorrel acidic: a description of the plant, useful properties

Sorrel has an analgesic effect, its infusion is used for painful menstruation. In addition, it can be used for pain in the lower back. The chemical composition of this plant can be used for cystitis, as well as sorrel has antifungal and choleretic properties. It has long been known that this amazing plant can stop blood, so feel free to apply compresses to the wounds that bother you.

Sorrel is acidic (the description is presented above) - a good astringent drug, which is used for diarrhea and dysentery in young children. Broth from sorrel can treat furunculosis and other fungal diseases on the head. The juice from it has an excellent effect on the body for preventive purposes: from scabies, rheumatism, fever and other diseases. Decoction from this plant is used as a rinse with angina and bleeding gums.

Sorrel in folk medicine

The plant has healing power, so it is used in ancient times in folk medicine. Rich in organic acids and vitamins of some groups, it can not only treat diseases, but also prevent their development.

This plant is unique in its essence, therefore it acts well on the intestines and positively influences the process of metabolism in the human body. In sorrel is ascorbic acid, which treats vitamin deficiency and removes cholesterol. Decoction of leaves is recommended to use as an antidote for certain types of poisoning. Also, sorrel is used for hemorrhoids, colitis and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Use in Cooking

Sorrel acid (a photo can be seen in the article) is very well used in cooking. It is used in fresh, marinated, canned or dried form, added to vitamin salads, soups and borsch, and even in the form of a filling for pies. The leaves of this plant are very nutritious and useful, and all because of apple and citric acid. It is important to note that it is best to eat in food only until July, because in a later period it collects a lot of oxalic acid, which is dangerous for health.

Contraindications

This plant can not be used in pregnancy and lactation. Remember that the frequent use of sour sorrel (a photo will help to recognize it) can lead to the formation of kidney stones. It is not recommended for gastritis with high acidity and gastric ulcer.

Do not abuse the sorrel, as it leads to toxic effects on the body. As a result, a person may have diarrhea, nausea, a pathology of the urinary system. Remember that sorrel acid affects the absorption of calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis.

Useful recipes

Let's imagine the most common:

• Decoction of roots for the prevention of hemorrhoids. It is necessary to take the root of sorrel, one large spoon, pour hot water, boil for half an hour. After that, remove the product from the fire, filter. You need to drink one spoonful in the morning, lunch and evening. Decoction is also advised to use for cracks in the bowels, colitis.
• Infusion of the fruits of sour sorrel from blood diarrhea. It is necessary to take dry fruits - about one tablespoon - and pour hot water in the bowl. Boil for 15 minutes, then insist for an hour. It should be taken for breakfast, lunch and dinner 50 ml each.
• Broth from the seeds of sorrel for the prevention of burns. Take the grains, 15 grams, 100 ml of water, all boiling for about half an hour. The decoction should be used to treat decubitus. It is advised to take in not more than a tablespoon at a time.
• This plant well cures ulcers, wounds. It is necessary to collect the plant leaves, rinse them and attach to an open wound. You very quickly notice how the inflammation goes away, the skin will get better.
• Sorrel is an excellent aid in the treatment of angina. You need to make a remedy that can gargle. It is necessary to prepare a fresh stalk and leaves of sorrel, then pour all with boiling water. Then the composition should be finely chopped and a wooden spoon to cook the muffin. Then take the gauze and squeeze the juice. Take it in strict dosages - no more than a tablespoon at a time.

Finally

So, we found out that sorrel sour from a long time is used as a medicinal plant. It is taken inside as a decoction, tincture, juice for various diseases. Sorrel is very useful for external use. It helps to heal serious wounds, burns, bedsores and other skin diseases. Despite the positive properties of the plant, it is better to be extremely careful with sorrel, since it has side effects.