Wood sorrel
Red and green with three-lobed leaves, sour and cleansing
Wood sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family, with pale pink, yellow, fuchsia, or white inflorescences that grow spontaneously in mountainous, submontane, and wetland habitats.
Although it is very common in Italy, it is not easy to recognize because it tends to be confused with the common clover.
Etymology
The name of the genus derives from the Greek "oxys" = acid, "hall" = salt, due to its high oxalic acid content, while acetosella refers to the sour taste of the leaves.
Property
This plant has refreshing, astringent, and purifying properties, and when used externally, it is anti-inflammatory and decongestant. It is also considered an antiscorbutic plant due to its vitamin C content.
Due to its high potassium oxalate content, it is contraindicated for people suffering from kidney or liver disorders or gout, as it can cause kidney stones, poisoning, and serious kidney damage.
In the kitchen, the tender leaves were once used sparingly in mixed salads and sauces; their distinct sour taste made them pleasant.
In the past, grocers prepared a product called "sorrel salt," extracted from the plant, which was used to remove rust and ink stains from fabrics and also served to clean leather.
Sorrel salt was also used as a mordant to fix colors in wool and fabrics and as a descaler for car radiators.
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