Oxalis acetosella

Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.
Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.Oxalis acetosella, Oxalidaceae, Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.
Botanical Nomenclature Oxalis acetosella
Common Name Wood Sorrel
Taxonomy- Family Oxalidaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Oxalis acetosella is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from 10 to 15cm, with three lobbed, green leaves that grow near the stem and they consist of three, small, heart-shaped petals which look like Trifolium petals. The flowers are white, hermaphrodite with pink lines. The flowering and the harvesting take place from April to May.
Region Found Ioannina (Gramos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, flowers
Active Substances Potassium oxalate (potassium binoxalate, HKC2O4), oxalic acid, mucilage, vitamin C.
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The plant has digestive, antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant and antipyretic properties. It is recommended in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of dyspepsia, although attention required to its oral administration due to its high toxicity and that is why most of the time it's consumption is avoided. It is applied externally to the skin in the form of poultice against various skin problems as wounds, abscesses and mucus irritation as well as an ingredient in cosmetics, due to its antioxidant action.
Method of Administration The plant is carefully administered in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 3 times a day). It is mainly applied externally to the skin as astringent and antioxidant in the form of poultice made from the fresh plant.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects In recommended doses the herb is not harmful to humans and animals. However, overdose of the leaves may cause calcium homeostasis' disorders, due to their content in oxalic acid. Plant's consumption should be avoided from patients with kidney stones, rheumatism and gout.
References 1) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/sorwoo68.html#rec 2)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Oxalis_acetosella 3)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-228-wood%20sorrel.aspx?activeingredientid=228&activeingredientname=wood%20sorrel 4)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/oxalis.html 5)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Oxalis+acetosella