Overview

Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a flowering plant. The whole plant is traditionally used to make medicine.

The wood sorrel plant contains oxalic acid, which can have toxic effects when taken in high amounts.

People sometimes use wood sorrel for gum disease, scurvy, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse wood sorrel with sorrel or yellow dock. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Wood Sorrel overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Wood sorrel is possibly unsafe, especially when used in higher doses. It contains crystals made of oxalic acid which can damage the organs. Side effects might include diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, and skin reactions.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Wood sorrel is possibly unsafe, especially when used in higher doses. It contains crystals made of oxalic acid which can damage the organs. Side effects might include diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, and skin reactions.

Pregnancy: Wood sorrel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might stimulate menstrual bleeding. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Wood sorrel is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: Wood sorrel is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in children. It contains crystals made of oxalic acid which can damage the organs.

Blood-clotting problems: The oxalic acid in wood sorrel can make the blood clot too fast.

Stomach or intestinal disorders: Wood sorrel can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines and might make ulcers worse.

Kidney disease: The oxalic acid crystals in wood sorrel can damage the kidney and make kidney disease or kidney stones worse.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Wood Sorrel overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of wood sorrel might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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