Common Wood Sorrel

Oxalis acetosella

Oxalis acetosella, commonly known as wood sorrel, is a small herb found in temperate regions across Europe and Asia. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented; however, it has been noted for its first-time ethnomedicinal applications among forest herb populations. Scientific evidence regarding the specific effects of Oxalis acetosella on human health is limited. A study involving middle-aged, overweight adults found that melted cheese increased total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations more than unmelted cheese, but there was no direct evidence linking these findings to Oxalis acetosella. The genetic structures of forest herb populations, including those of Oxalis acetosella, were observed to reach similar states within decades, though this does not directly relate to its potential medicinal uses. In a broader context, IC nurses viewed topically applied herbal substances like Oxalis acetosella as potentially valuable but noted some barriers to implementation. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Oxalis acetosella thus far.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Melted cheese increased total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared to unmelted cheese in middle-aged, overweight adults. B PMID
  • Oxalis acetosella was among the 8 plant taxa described for their first-time ethnomedicinal applications in this study. D PMID
  • The study found limited evidence that forest herb populations of different ages reach similar genetic structures within decades. D PMID
  • IC nurses viewed topically applied herbal substances like Oxalis acetosella as potentially valuable but implementation faced some barriers. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Common Wood Sorrel?

Common Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Common Wood Sorrel?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Wood Sorrel; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Melted cheese increased total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations compared to unmelted cheese in middle-aged, overweight adults.

How strong is the evidence for Common Wood Sorrel?

The strongest finding for Common Wood Sorrel carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Common Wood Sorrel safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Common Wood Sorrel in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Common Wood Sorrel interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Common Wood Sorrel in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Common Wood Sorrel?

Common Wood Sorrel is also known as: Кислица обыкновенная.

Is Common Wood Sorrel a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Limited effects of population age on the genetic structure of spatially isolated forest herb populations in temperate Europe. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Plant cultural indicators of forest resources from the Himalayan high mountains: implications for improving agricultural resilience, subsistence, and forest restoration. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 An examination of the impact of unmelted, melted, and deconstructed cheese on lipid metabolism: a 6-week randomised trial. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Potentials and challenges of an integrative medicine protocol in intensive care: the perspective of intensive care nurses. literature abstract metadata