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.