Botanical Name: Oxalis acetosella or O. stricta
Energetics: Cooling, drying
Major Properties: Diuretic, refrigerant, astringent, expectorant, febrifuge
Examples of Uses: Reduce fever, quench thirst, snack on during hike, mood booster
Parts Used: Aerial parts, including flowers
Preparations:
Decoction - of fresh or dried leaves & flowers to lower fever, quench thirst
Tincture - of fresh parts for use as a simple mood booster
Dried for off-season use
Personal Observations:
I've used wood sorrel tincture in drop doses to bring a bit of sunshine to a cloudy, dull day (or disposition). Many herbalists consider wood sorrel to be a simple antidepressant, helping one feel a little brighter in the moment.
My favorite way to enjoy wood sorrel is munching on it during a hike. It has a sour taste, similar to lemonade, and can be quite refreshing.
Fresh wood sorrel is a great addition to salads due to both its bright, sour taste and its lovely, little flowers.
Click here to read what Maude Grieves wrote about wood sorrel in A Modern Herbal.
Caution - Wood sorrel contains oxalic acid so limit intake, particularly if you are prone to kidney stones.
This brief overview merely highlights my observations. There is, of course, a great deal of information that you can find on the Internet or in books. Or better yet - get together with other herbalists and share your experiences!
Please add your own experiences so that together we can create a more comprehensive overview.
As always, if you have a chronic ailment that is not resolving itself or an acute issue, seek the attention of your physician.