Ready to start planning your care? Call us at 800-525-2225 to make an appointment.
Sheep Sorrel
Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
Share
This information describes the common uses of Sheep Sorrel, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.
What is it?
There is no evidence that sheep sorrel can treat diarrhea, cancer, or any other medical condition.
Sheep sorrel is a flowering plant considered a perennial weed. It is native to Europe, Russia, and the Middle East and North Africa, and is prevalent in the United States. Historically used to treat inflammation, scurvy, cancer, and diarrhea, sheep sorrel is also one of four ingredients in Essiac, an alternative cancer treatment.
Scientific research has not been conducted on sheep sorrel, but there is familiarity with how some of the compounds in this plant work. Anthraquinones might produce a laxative effect by stimulating movement in the GI tract and increasing fluid levels in the intestines. These compounds are also considered antioxidants that may be able to neutralize free radicals, which can cause cellular and DNA damage in the body.
What are the potential uses and benefits?
To treat cancer
Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
To treat diarrhea
Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
To reduce fever
Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
To reduce inflammation
Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
To treat scurvy
Sheep sorrel contains vitamin C, which helps prevent scurvy, but there are no clinical data to support use.
What are the side effects?
Upset stomach
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea, possibly leading to dangerously low blood potassium levels
Kidney and liver damage
What else do I need to know?
Do Not Take if:
You have a history of kidney stones: The oxalate content in sheep sorrel may contribute to kidney stone formation.
You are taking diuretics: Most diuretics cause the body to lose potassium, an effect that could be made worse from the laxative effects of sheep sorrel, and increase risks for dangerously low blood potassium levels.