Oxalis (oxalis): features of caring for a butterfly flower at home

Common sorrel (lat.
Oxális acetosélla
) -
other names - Oxalis, Hare cabbage - a perennial herbaceous stemless plant 5..10 cm high, with creeping rhizomes replacing the stem, belongs to the oxalis family.
Distinctive features : leaves are small, long-petiolate, separately trifoliate, obversely cordate, droop at night, and unfold again in the morning; flowers - single, white, of five irregular petals with mauve veins, sitting on peduncles with two stipules, bloom from late May to July; the fruits are five-locular capsules that forcefully eject seeds.

grows in coniferous and shady deciduous forests, often forming carpet thickets near forest streams and ponds.

What does oxalis look like and where does it come from?

Oxalis (Oxalis) got its name because of the peculiar sour taste of the leaves, which contain a large amount of oxalic acid. "Oxys" literally means "sour" in Latin. The plant's homeland is America, South Africa and Central Europe, although one of the species, common sorrel, is often found in Russian forests. Many varieties of this numerous genus (there are about 800 in total) are grown in gardens, as well as indoors, offices and greenhouses.

In our country, people dubbed oxalis “hare cabbage” and “sour cabbage”. In America, the flower is called "sheep's sorrel" and "Indian lemonade", and in Europe - "sour clover".

Oxalis leaves resemble clover leaves

Oxalis (Oxalis) is a rhizomatous and tuberous plant. They are both annual and perennial. The pinnately compound or trifoliate leaf blades of oxalis are located on long and thin petioles. They are painted in different shades from light green to purple.

The flowers are small and consist of five petals. A notable feature of sorrel is its expressive veins on the petals and “exploding” fruits-capsules of an elongated shape, which can, as it were, “shoot” small seeds if you lightly touch them. Because of this feature, the propagation of some types of oxalis, for example, carob oxalis, is very difficult to stop, and the plant can become a weed when grown in the garden.

Oxalis can decorate both the flower garden and the interior of the room

Another characteristic feature of the plant is that under any unfavorable conditions, be it too bright light, darkness or mechanical irritation, oxalis flowers slowly close, and the leaves fold and droop.

Oxalis, which grows indoors, does not require special conditions; the plant is not capricious and can tolerate some flaws in agricultural technology. But still, to obtain a lush bush with bright leaves, “rabbit cabbage” needs to create suitable conditions and good care.

Common oxalis

This is the same “hare cabbage” that our forests are full of - a miniature stemless plant with very noticeable wide three-lobed leaves. Oxalis belongs to the so-called winter-green plants - those that are able to winter without shedding their leaves, but leaving them green. Unlike evergreens, the lifespan of each leaf is less than a year.

• 15 winter greens for your garden

  Do you want your garden to delight you with greenery even in winter and early spring? Pay attention to winter greens!

Oxalis blooms in May-June with small five-petaled flowers, white with pink-violet veins and a yellow spot at the base. It is interesting that oxalis has perfectly adapted to the conditions of the dark and humid taiga, where pollination by insects is difficult - in extreme cases, along with ordinary flowers, it produces another special type of flowers, closed ones, which are capable of self-pollinating.

The seeds of the common sorrel, after ripening, are thrown out of the box over a long distance, which is why some gardeners consider it a harmful weed that can self-sow to take over territory from noble crops. And they are not always wrong, the same sour sorrel (almost never found here) is a difficult to eradicate weed in corn fields in the USA and Canada.

• Carefully! Ornamental plants that can quickly become weeds

  Not all ornamental crops are equally safe for your garden. How to recognize and stop an aggressor plant?

Other summer residents are happy to sow this charming crumb on their own plots, most often under trees, in order to create a real corner there in the natural (forest) eco-style, so fashionable today.

Oxalis (as its name suggests) prefers acidic, well-moistened soils rich in humus in a shady corner of the garden. Propagated by seeds and division of the bush. Growing rapidly, it forms a dense green carpet, abundantly covered with white flashes of flowers.

Many people are familiar with the pleasant sour taste of its leaves, due to the presence of several organic acids (mainly oxalic) and vitamins C, A, P. But be careful - if in the amount of several leaves this is a delicacy and can be used in cooking (soups, salads, filling for omelettes , vitamin drinks), giving a special taste to dishes and increasing appetite, then in large doses it is poison, especially for the kidneys!

Common oxalis is also used in folk medicine as part of decoctions and infusions that have diuretic and choleretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, wound-healing effects, and also as an antidote in case of arsenic or mercury poisoning. To use it for these purposes, the sorrel grass is cut (under no circumstances pulled out!) a couple of centimeters above ground level and dried in the shade.

• What medicinal herbs and plants are collected in May (41 photos and descriptions)

  Keep a table of medicinal herbs and other plants that you can harvest right now.

Types of indoor oxalis

Several types of sorrel are grown indoors. Among them are the following:

• Ordinary. A small bush that spreads through rhizomes. Trifoliate leaves of a light green hue on long petioles appear on the creeping shoots. In spring, small single flowers bloom on the plant, located on thin peduncles, the length of which is 5–10 cm. The petals are snow-white with purple veins. There is a form with pink flowers. Common oxalis can be grown in containers and also in gardens as a ground cover.
• Rozhkova. The species is distinguished by leaves with a beautiful cherry-brown tint of foliage and small flowers painted yellow. The plant is frost-resistant and can be grown not only indoors, but also in a flower garden. However, there it quickly grows and becomes a weed.
• Triangular. The homeland of the species is sunny Brazil. The plant has purple, pink or white flowers and dark purple leaf blades. Thanks to this, the flower looks incredibly attractive.
• Deppa (four-leaf). The species is native to Panama and Mexico. This is one of the most famous wood sours, the leaves of which consist of four parts with a base painted with strokes of burgundy or dark purple. The leaves have a small notch at the top. The flowers, collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, have a crimson-red hue. The plant is a corm, and the roots of Depp's sorrel are edible. One of the most popular varieties of four-leaf sorrel is Iron Cross.
• Ferruginous. The flower is one of the common garden oxalis species, but it can also be grown indoors. Oxalis ferruginosa forms a small compact bush with a diameter of about 15 cm and a height of approximately 8 cm. The leaves consist of several lobes, of which there are from 9 to 22 pieces. They are painted gray-green. Ferruginaceae blooms with large silvery flowers, decorated with pink strokes and veins.
• Bowie. Oxalis is a rather heat-loving species, so it is grown mainly at home. The leathery leaves are colored light green and are located on shoots 20–25 cm high. Flowering occurs in late spring, during which time Oxalis Bowie blooms dark pink buds.
• Ragnella (triangular, butterfly). A very spectacular plant, whose homeland is considered to be Brazil. Oxalis Ragnella has incredibly attractive light green leaf blades consisting of three lobes. It blooms for a long time, constantly producing small white buds. Ragnella is a relatively winter-hardy species, and it can even be grown in flower beds in areas with mild winters.
• Red. Compared to other plants of the genus, the bushes of this species are quite tall. Red sorrel reaches 40 cm in height. The leaves consist of three lobes, the distinctive feature of which is slight hairiness at the base. It blooms profusely in summer with red or pink flowers.
• Versicolor (variegated, caramel flower). A characteristic feature of the plant is that its snow-white petals have a red edge, and the unopened buds look like a lollipop. “In captivity,” Versicolor wood sorrel can bloom almost all year round.
• Obtusa. This type of oxalis is a miniature bulbous plant, the height of which is only 10 cm. Its leaf blades are slightly pubescent. Used as a ground cover plant in combination with other larger plants grown in a greenhouse. In summer, Oxalis Obtusa can be planted in the garden.
• Poor thing (squeezed). A species of hardy and frost-resistant oxalis native to South Africa. Trifoliate leaves on thin and long petioles grow from small nodules. The flowers are relatively large, dark pink with a yellow center. Blooms from August to October. Mostly poor oxalis is cultivated in open ground, but it can also be grown indoors.

Oxalis Ragnella, Deppa, glandular and other types of wood sorrel in the photo

Poor sorrel blooms for almost six months with pretty pink flowers.

Carob oxalis has showy burgundy leaves and yellow flowers.

Oxalis obtusa is a miniature bulbous plant

The glandular sorrel blooms with large silvery flowers with pink spots and veins.

Bowie's oxalis is mainly cultivated indoors.

Depp's Oxalis has characteristic dark spots at the base of the leaves.

Triangular sorrel leaves look like butterflies settled in a flower pot

Oxalis Versicolor buds resemble candies

Common oxalis can be grown in containers and also in gardens as a ground cover.

general information

Oxalis got its name from the characteristic sour taste of its leaves. By nature, it is a flowering grass from South America, which is also called false clover. There are perennials and annuals, but they are very similar in appearance.

Oxalis has a creeping superficial rhizome, which gradually becomes overgrown with growths similar to small tubers. The height of ornamental grass is up to 30 cm, and usually even less. At the same time, the length of the palmate leaves on long petioles easily reaches 15 cm. Interestingly, depending on the weather and time of day, the leaves can droop and rise.

At the end of spring, the wood sorrel blooms and continues to bloom for another month. Each peduncle bears one or several tubular buds that open into beautiful curved funnels. The most common shades are white, yellow and pink.

Photo: oir.mobi

The most comfortable conditions for plants in the house - table

Signs and superstitions

Since ancient times, it has been believed that oxalis can charge a home with positive energy, give the owner a thirst for life, improve well-being, and lift the mood.

A house where perennials grow is able to maintain an atmosphere of lightness and happiness. The plant is considered ideal for children, as it can protect against the evil eye, bad thoughts, and calm sleep.

Oxalis is a great holiday gift for families who believe in the miraculous power of omens. Such a gift can solve personal problems and improve the well-being of a married couple.

How and when to replant

Oxalis grows very quickly, so the flower requires annual replanting, which should be done in the spring with the beginning of active growing season. During the same period, it is possible to propagate sorrel. If you do not plan to get new specimens, then take a pot 2 cm larger than the previous one. If you divide the plant into several parts, then leave the same container.

Place drainage at the bottom of the vessel to help drain excess water. It can be made from gravel or expanded clay, pouring stones in a layer of about 2-3 cm. Then add a layer of soil consisting of:

• 1 part of turf land;
• 1 part leaf humus;
• 1 part peat;
• 1 part sand.

The substrate for planting oxalis should be loose and rich in potassium. In poor soil the leaves will not be brightly colored. If it is not possible to make a soil mixture yourself, you can purchase a universal soil for indoor plants with neutral acidity.

The soil in which sorrel will be grown must be loose

The transplantation process then consists of the following steps:

1. Remove the plant from the old pot and wash the roots.
2. Cut off the dry and rotten parts and dry them a little.
3. Moisten the substrate in a new container and place the plant on it.
4. Cover the roots with soil and tamp it down lightly with your palm.
5. Water a little again and place the sorrel in a place with diffused light.

   After transplanting, place the sorrel in a place with diffused light

To make the oxalis bush lush, several seedlings can be planted in one pot. Crowding does not interfere with the development of the plant; on the contrary, it will grow a lush leaf mass and turn into a dense clump.

The most common types of hare cabbage

Castor bean (Ricinus communis)

The name hare cabbage includes many types. The most common are the following:

• Common sedum (Oxalis vulgare) is the most common species that grows in a wide variety of natural conditions and is found even in Japan. It may have different names in different regions, for example, purple sedum and squeaky sedum. The height of the bush is 80 cm, the stems are fleshy, erect, light in color, the inflorescence is multi-flowered in lilac and burgundy shades;
• wood sorrel, which many are trying to domesticate. It will also develop and bloom in flower beds, but winter hardiness will decrease;
• sedum is caustic. Its height reaches a maximum of 10 cm, the leaves are small, light green, diamond-shaped, and the inflorescences are yellow;
• Kamchatka sedum is widespread in Kamchatka, hence the name. Its height is up to 25 cm, the leaves and stems are green, fleshy. The leaf shape is oval.

Sedum does not grow higher than 10 cm

Features of caring for oxalis: abundant watering and regular feeding

Caring for oxalis grown in captivity should include regular and abundant moisture and fertilizing in spring and summer.

How to water a flower

With the onset of warm days, oxalis needs frequent and abundant watering. You need to moisten the flower as needed. On hot summer days, the procedure can be performed daily in the morning and evening. During the same period, it is worth additionally spraying oxalis. During the day, experienced gardeners do not recommend doing this, since droplets of water falling on the delicate leaves can lead to burns.

In October, the flower begins a dormant period; at this time, watering should be reduced and spraying should be stopped altogether.

Does oxalis need feeding?

Fertilizers will help maintain the decorative appearance of the plant; thanks to a sufficient amount of nutrients, the foliage will have a juicy and bright color, and the petioles will not stretch, thereby preventing the bush from falling apart. It is recommended to fertilize twice a month from April to August.

To carry out the procedure, a complex preparation for decorative foliage indoor plants is suitable. You can use drugs in liquid form, for example, Kemira Lux or Fertika.

In order for the plant to grow abundantly foliage and bloom beautifully, regular feeding is necessary.

Flowering period

Under favorable conditions, oxalis usually begins to bloom in April and this process lasts until September. The buds replace each other and the impression of continuous flowering is created. Faded inflorescences do not need to be removed; they do not interfere with the development of oxalis. However, such plants do not look very neat, so the flower stalks can be cut off at the base.

Sometimes oxalis does not want to bloom. This happens especially often in very dark rooms. Solving the problem is very simple; to do this, just move the flower to a bright place, or even better, take the pot out onto the loggia or balcony. Outdoors, wood sorrel blooms profusely and for a long time.

Outdoors, oxalis blooms profusely and for a long time.

Formation of a bush

As they grow, the oxalis bushes begin to stretch out and fall apart. To prevent this from happening, the plant requires regular pruning. About once a month it is necessary to thin out the sorrel, cutting off excess leaves. This procedure will stimulate the appearance of new leaves and the bush will always be neat and fluffy.

Recent Entries

Lilac perennials that are beautiful, compact and do not crowd out other plants Why when buying seedlings you should not take the sellers’ word for it and how to determine the age of the plant using 3 signs Tomato seedlings have turned purple or whitish: why the color has changed and how to save the plants

Rest period. Bulb storage

Oxalis requires a period of rest in winter. Some species (bulbous plants) themselves inform their owners about the need for rest; their aboveground part dies off in the fall. In October, the vegetative mass is cut off and watering of the flower is stopped. The bulbs are left in the ground and the pot is placed in a cool and dark room with a temperature of +12–14°C. The soil should not be too dry; if necessary, it should be slightly moistened. In the spring, as soon as the sprouts appear, the sorrel is placed in a sunny place and the substrate begins to be moistened abundantly. the flower very quickly increases its vegetative mass and begins to bloom within 1–1.5 months.

Species whose vegetative mass does not die off in the fall also require relative dormancy in winter. In December, they are transferred to a cool but bright room (or placed closer to the glass, separated from the warm room by a screen. The temperature for oxalis at this time should be +16–18 °C. Watering is reduced, the flower is watered after 2–3 days with cool water.

How care errors manifest themselves and how to correct the situation (table)

Video: features of caring for oxalis (oxalis)

Oxalis four-leaf (Oxalis Deppe)

But this plant, in contrast to its more modest forest “relative,” is already much more popular among both gardeners and indoor gardeners. And all thanks to the bright red-violet flowers, pleasing to the eye from early summer to early autumn, and the shape of the leaves, unusual for most representatives of the genus - four-lobed, reminiscent of a “lucky clover”. In addition, these leaves are not just green, but with a large dark mark at the base, which can be of different shapes, sizes and colors (reddish, purple-brown, dark purple).

This plant has many garden forms and varieties, the most commonly grown being Iron Cross.

Unlike the shade-tolerant common sorrel, four-leaf sorrel prefers well-lit places and a very slightly acidic or neutral light earth mixture (for example, peat soil, leaf soil and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1).

Before leaves form, plants are rarely watered, and after they begin to actively develop (usually in the second half of spring and throughout the summer), this sorrel requires abundant watering and frequent spraying. Inspect the plant regularly, because... it is often affected by aphids and spider mites.

The plant does not tolerate frost, so in regions with negative temperatures, rhizomes are dug up in the fall and stored until spring in a cool, dry place. When growing four-leaved wood sorrel in pots, it is not necessary to dig up the rhizomes, but watering should be stopped for 2-4 months, and the pots should be moved to a cool place (8-10°C).

The most common diseases and pests of wood sorrel, their signs, prevention and treatment measures (table)

Pests and diseases of oxalis (photo)

Fusarium appears as a result of excessive moisture

Aphids accumulate on the back of the leaf

Spider mites appear on the plant when kept in a room with too dry air

Reproduction of wood oxalis

Propagated by daughter bulbs (Oxalis deppei), or by dividing the bush and cuttings. It all depends directly on the type of sorrel itself.

Plants are usually transplanted and divided after 2-4 years. The distance between plants in the garden is usually 20-30 cm when planting.

Some species grow weeds and it is quite difficult to stop their uncontrolled reproduction.

How does oxalis reproduce?

Oxalis (oxalis) can reproduce in one of the following ways:

• bulbs;
• nodules;
• cuttings;
• seeds.

Propagation of oxalis by bulbs is the easiest way

Reproduction by bulbs or nodules is carried out when replanting a plant in the spring

Bulbous species of oxalis are very easily propagated by bulbs. Usually they grow a lot over the course of a season, then they are stored in the winter in the same pot in which the sorrel grew, and in the spring, during transplantation, the flower can be propagated.

They do it like this:

1. The roots are taken out of the pot and washed in warm water.
2. The bulbs are separated from each other.
3. Dip them for 15 minutes in a solution of a growth stimulator, for example, in Kornevin.
4. Then they plant several pieces in a small pot and place them in a warm place.
5. When sprouts appear, the pots are moved to a bright windowsill.

The same applies when propagating oxalis species whose roots are in the form of nodules.

Cuttings

Another method involves propagating this indoor flower by taking cuttings from an adult plant. The stages are as follows:

1. Cut off a stem with several leaves at the base.
2. Excess leaf blades are cut off, leaving 1-2 on the cutting.
3. The cutting is placed in water.
4. After about 2-3 weeks, roots and new shoots will appear.
5. When the sprouts grow to 1.5 cm, the rooted cuttings are planted in a loose substrate.

Cuttings are an effective way to propagate oxalis

The seed method has not taken root among flower growers. Indoor oxalis species reproduce well vegetatively, so there is no need to propagate them using this method. And garden forms, for example, carob oxalis, reproduce well by self-sowing.

Reproduction and planting of sorrel

Garden sorrel is planted with seeds directly into the ground by mid-spring. After just 2 weeks, the seedlings hatch, but throughout the first year the plant grows roots and rosettes. Already on the second day, the bushes acquire their decorative properties and bloom. In the garden, young plants are planted to a depth of about 3.5 cm and in increments of 10-12 cm.

At home, wood sorrel is most often propagated by cuttings, and any part of the plant is suitable. Even individual leaf segments take root well. But it is better to root them immediately in loose soil with sand and humus. In the warmth and sun, after 3 weeks they will take root safely.

Photo: koffkindom.ru

Distribution and habitat

Common sorrel - what is it, where does hare cabbage grow

Оxalis acetosella can be found in many parts of the planet Earth, for example, in North America, European countries, and Asia. In Russia, wild wood sorrel is a full-fledged resident of forest areas throughout the middle zone, Siberia, and the eastern part of the country. In the south it is too hot for it, but even here you can find separate clearings of miniature grass.

The best place for hare cabbage is a forest area. Mixed forests, as well as deciduous or coniferous and even mountain forests, are suitable for her. It will feel good wherever there is loose, fertile soil, moisture, and slight coolness. Cuckoo clover is shade-loving. Therefore, you need to look for it under the dense crowns of trees. According to scientific data, for good development, grass needs only about 1-2% light per day.

Another characteristic indicator of the habitat of wood sorrel is the proximity of swamps, ponds, rivers, and streams. Where oxalis grows, you can find other famous forest herbs:

• nettle;
• burdock;
• fireweed;
• violet;
• wild rosemary;
• fireweed, etc.

Oxalis blossom

Oxalis has an important property - unpretentiousness; it doesn’t particularly care who grows nearby. In this regard, she is a dominant, and, if necessary, can conquer any territory.

Oxalis in folk medicine

A forest herbaceous plant often helps people in nature or on a hike. Fresh leaves are applied to wounds to stop bleeding and improve tissue regeneration. This plant is used if suppuration has occurred, or with long-term non-healing skin lesions. The above-ground parts are crushed into pulp, wrapped in gauze, and applied to the site of inflammation. The bandage should be changed every 3-4 hours.

Oxalis leaves are dried whole, without crushing. Store in a glass or ceramic container with a closed lid to prevent moisture from entering the container. Shelf life is limited - 1 year.

How to use sorrel in treatment - recipes:

1. Decoction. For a glass of water you need to take a teaspoon of dried and crushed herbs. Bring the liquid to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat. The cooled broth is filtered, used internally and externally, rinsed the mouth, treated the throat, and applied to wounds.
2. Juice. Oxalis juice in combination with honey has a high antiseptic effect. Recommended proportion is 1:1. The healing composition heals bedsores and trophic ulcers well in adults, in children it is used to treat diathesis or dermatitis, and helps with inflammation of the gums and stomatitis.
3. Tincture. To prepare the tincture, you can use fresh or dry raw materials. If the grass is fresh, then take 100 grams and pour 500 ml of vodka. You will need less dry grass - 50 grams per half liter of vodka. Keep the tincture for 10 days in a dark and cool place. The finished tincture is used to prepare compresses and medicinal solutions.
4. Tea. Dried leaves can be brewed and drunk instead of tea. The pleasant sour taste quenches thirst well and produces a tonic effect.

Contraindications and restrictions

Many people are interested in whether sorrel is poisonous or not. The culture is considered a mildly poisonous plant. The use of medicinal plants in medicine and nutrition is associated with many restrictions. To confirm this, wild and domestic animals avoid the squat grass. Temporary use of the plant has some positive effects. With prolonged use, sorrel can be harmful to human health and well-being. It is not advisable to eat it for those who have abnormalities in the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Excess oxalic acid negatively affects the mucous membrane of the digestive organs; irritation can occur in the ducts of the bladder and kidneys.

Today, like many years ago, medicinal herbs help people cope with poor health, improve health, and cure diseases. Oxalis is one of nature’s unique green medicine cabinets. You need to use natural products without violating the rules and dosages. The reception time should also be strictly limited.

Detailed description

Common oxalis (the Latin name for the plant is oxalis acetosella, oxalis) is a herbaceous perennial. Representative of the genus Kislitsa (Oxalis). People sometimes mention such names as cuckoo clover, hare cabbage, forest sorrel. It is no coincidence that the grass received such names.

Oxalis in bloom

The foliage, consisting of three interconnected heart-shaped leaves, resembles clover. The greens taste pleasant, sweet and sour. This is a cross between garden sour (sorrel) and fresh early cabbage.

The description of common wood sorrel begins with the fact that the plant lives in groups, forming a light green carpet. Usually occupies a space of two or more square meters. The dense habitat is determined by biological characteristics. The root system consists of thin threads spreading in different directions.

The color of the rhizome is brick, reddish-brown. Most of the rhizome is infected with fungi. Because of this, tiny bubbles and swellings are visible on it.

What does sorrel look like? Long petioles grow from the rhizome, at the ends of which there are leaves. There are no stems. Both leaves and flower arrows are formed on the petioles. The grass sorrel is not tall. It grows from 4 to 8 cm.

The plant predicts rain

Miniature flowers bloom in May. They bloom until mid-June. The petals are white. Tiny lilac veins are present. White color can be diluted with a shallow yellow tint. Flowers are pollinated by insects, and there are also self-pollinating specimens.

When the sorrel berry ripens and develops into fruit, the tiny seeds become distant from the mother plant. This is due to a special cunning mechanism hidden in the shell of the fruit. When the seeds ripen, the fruit capsules burst and the seeds scatter. The force of the “explosion” allows them to fly 1.5 meters away from the house.

Additional Information. You can predict the weather by using the leaves of wood sorrel. Before bad weather they close and droop. The same thing happens at night.

Many people ask the question “is oxalis listed in the Red Book or not?” Experts assure that the plant is listed in the red books of some regions, for example, Murmansk, Magadan, Penza regions.

Application

Food

The plant is widely used in everyday life for preparing salads, cabbage soup, sour soft drinks and as a seasoning.

Stern

It is a fodder crop for cattle.

Technical

The juice is suitable for removing rust and ink stains on linen and paper, for restoring the brightness of colors on fabrics and for dyeing wool and silk.

Medicinal

Plant preparations normalize the acidity of gastric juice, improve appetite, lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory, anti-scorbutic and wound-healing effects. In its raw form (in salads), sorrel is used to treat scurvy and other manifestations of vitamin C deficiency and hypovitaminosis, liver diseases and various helminthiasis, as well as hypacid gastritis and poor appetite. In the autumn-winter period, when there is no fresh raw material, it is recommended to use a decoction of sorrel to normalize acidity, which is indicated in the treatment of diathesis, cardiovascular diseases of functional origin and for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

A decoction of the plant in milk is indicated for colds as an antipyretic and for inflammatory kidney diseases. Juice and tincture are used for long-term non-healing wounds (bandages) and stomatitis (rinses).

To prepare a decoction, pour 1 tablespoon of herbs into 2 glasses of hot water, boil in a closed enamel container in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, filter through two or three layers of gauze and bring the volume to the original volume. Take one-half glass 2-3 times a day with meals.

To prepare the tincture, 10 g of raw material is poured into 100 ml of 40% alcohol or vodka and left for 10 days. Apply externally.