Sheep's Sorrel | Cut & Sifted | Wildcrafted | Rumex acetosella

Sheep's Sorrel is one of those quietly remarkable herbs that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries — a common wildflower found in meadows, roadsides, and disturbed soils across North America and Europe, long used in traditional folk medicine as a blood tonic, digestive bitter, and cleansing herb. It is perhaps best known today as one of the four foundational herbs in the traditional Essiac formula — the herb that Rene Caisse, the Canadian nurse who popularized Essiac in the 1920s and 30s, considered the most important and active of the four. Whether used as part of a traditional formula or on its own, Sheep's Sorrel is a potent, tart, and deeply nourishing herb with a long history of use in Western folk herbalism.

Our Sheep's Sorrel is cut and sifted wildcrafted herb — Rumex acetosella, carefully dried and cut to preserve its oxalic acid, flavonoid, and anthraquinone content. Tart and slightly lemony, with the characteristic bright acidity of the sorrel family. Wildcrafted and packed to order in small batches.

A note on the Essiac connection: Sheep's Sorrel is one of the four traditional herbs in the Essiac formula, alongside Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Bark, and Turkey Rhubarb Root. We carry Burdock Root and Slippery Elm as well — and if you are working with the traditional Essiac formula, Sheep's Sorrel is considered the cornerstone herb of the blend.

A note on preparation: Sheep's Sorrel is most commonly prepared as a hot infusion or decoction. It has a pleasant, tart flavor that makes it one of the more enjoyable medicinal herbs to drink as a tea. It can also be used as part of a traditional Essiac decoction following traditional preparation methods.

Traditionally Used to Support

• Blood and lymphatic toning — one of Sheep's Sorrel's most celebrated traditional uses in Western folk herbalism; used as a blood tonic and lymphatic herb to support healthy circulation and the body's natural cleansing processes
• Liver and digestive support — traditionally used as a bitter herb to support healthy liver function, bile production, and overall digestive vitality; a classic herb in traditional cleansing and detoxification formulas
• Antioxidant and cellular wellness — rich in flavonoids and organic acids; traditionally used to support the body's natural antioxidant defenses and overall cellular wellness
• Immune system support — used in traditional Western herbalism as part of comprehensive immune support formulas; one of the four herbs in the traditional Essiac formula
• Kidney and urinary wellness — traditionally used as a mild diuretic and kidney tonic to support healthy urine flow and urinary tract wellness

How to Use

As a hot infusion (tea): Pour just-boiled water over 1–2 teaspoons of cut and sifted Sheep's Sorrel. Steep covered for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink. Pleasantly tart and slightly lemony — can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of honey.

As part of the traditional Essiac formula: Combine with Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Bark, and Turkey Rhubarb Root following traditional Essiac preparation methods. We carry Burdock Root and Slippery Elm Bark — search our shop to complete your formula.

Blending: Pairs beautifully with burdock root and dandelion for a liver and blood tonic formula, red clover and cleavers for a lymphatic support blend, or nettle and red raspberry leaf for a mineral-rich women's wellness tea.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, cut and sifted Sheep's Sorrel retains its potency for 1–2 years.

Not for use during pregnancy or nursing. Use with caution if you have kidney stones or a history of oxalate sensitivity — Sheep's Sorrel is high in oxalic acid. Consult your healthcare provider before use.

Wildcrafted. Cut and sifted. No fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.