Sheep Sorel

 

Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), also known simply as sorrel or dock, is a perennial plant that has been used in multiple roles for centuries, including Anti-cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory agent, diuretic, antibacterial agent and immune system booster, antioxidant and vitamin deficiency.

 

The hairless leaves can be a key identifying feature of this plant as they resemble a sheep head.   They do however vary in size and shape with lower lower leaves being long-stalked, arrowhead-shaped with a pair of slender lobes near the base of the blade giving its sheep head appearance.  But occasionally the leaves can be slender and without lobes.  The middle leaves are short-stalked and nearly always have a lateral lobe on each side.  The upper leaves are stalkless. 
 

The leaves are edible and have a pleasant sour or tangy taste and are a rich source of vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids.

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The plant’s roots have been historically used as an astringent and coagulant. The entire plant, including roots, is used as the main ingredient in essiac tea. And though sorrel is considered by many to be a nuisance weed, its presence and usage have provided numerous benefits for people across the years.