Rounded leaves with a sour taste are extremely healthy. Today it is difficult to imagine, but in most countries people for a very long time could not decide to eat this herb.
The healing qualities of sorrel have been known for a long time - this can be judged by ancient Russian medical books. Sorrel grows almost throughout Russia. Most of all, it grows in the south - in the Caucasus and Kazakhstan. Sorrel grows mainly in forests, meadows, in thickets, near water bodies.
The benefits of sorrel
So, what is sorrel good for ? This is primarily a diuretic, tonic. In ancient times, sorrel broth was prescribed as a prophylaxis against dysentery, with bleeding, and indigestion. And in the XVI century, sorrel was considered a means that could save a person from the plague. Zemstvo doctors also treated for tuberculosis and rheumatism. Sorrel activates the liver and the production of bile, promotes intestinal function and is even a painkiller. This is not the whole list of what sorrel is useful for. Its leaves contain a high content of tannins, vitamin C and calcium, so it is strongly recommended to use it for bleeding gums.
The composition of the "green doctor"
Sorrel leaves contain almost all the substances and microelements necessary for the human body. These are mineral salts, and proteins, and flavonoids. This plant contains at least three organic acids. Green leaves are rich in malic, formic and oxalic acid itself. Sorrel is also very rich in vitamin C - the daily norm is replenished by eating only 100 grams of leaves. There is also a large amount of vitamins E, PP, B, K and carotene, which is so beneficial for the eyes. After familiarizing yourself with this list of micronutrients, the question of whether sorrel is useful, disappears by itself.
Folk recipes
The experience of generations, expressed in recipes, helps us understand what sorrel is useful for and how it can help with health problems.
- For constipation, 2 tbsp. Is recommended. tablespoons of crushed roots pour boiling water, boil in a water bath, cool and strain. Drink a drink should be three times a day for a third of a glass. The effect of drinking this drink occurs only after 12 hours, so it is recommended to drink it at night.
- For liver diseases, you can pour 30 g of finely chopped root into 6 glasses of water and boil for 1 hour. Then infuse the broth for 45 minutes, strain and consume half a cup 3 times a day.
- Treatment of skin diseases is another indicator of why sorrel is useful. Fresh sorrel leaves must be applied to damaged areas of the skin.
- Swelling and dropsy can be quickly cured, if you take 1 tbsp. l sorrel leaf juice thrice daily.
- Weak immunity, general weakness - symptoms in which it is recommended to use a sorrel broth.
An even greater effect is manifested when horse sorrel is consumed . The beneficial properties of this natural healer have something in common with ordinary sorrel, but its bitter taste makes it less popular. Such a sorrel is actively used both as decoctions and for external therapy.