Common Name: Sheep Sorrel

There are two basic types of Sheep Sorrel: Hybrid or Domestic Sheep Sorrel and Wild Sheep Sorrel. There are also two additional varieties of sorrel: Engleman's Sorrel (Rumex hastatulus), very similar but taller, and Green Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is taller still, with leaves 4” to 6" (10 to 15 cm) long

Wild Sheep Sorrel has tiny leaves which are bitter to taste. Hybrid Sheep Sorrel has large leaves and is used in garden salads.

Hybrid sheep sorrel should not be used in essiac. Several manufacturers use hybrid sheep sorrel in place of weed version. Hybrid sheep sorrel is still sheep sorrel but it is very weak in comparison to weed sheep sorrel.

Note: The two sheep sorrels have same name but are very different. Legally people using Hybrid sheep sorrel can still call it sheep sorrel and not tell you it is weaker version in their product.

Description: A sour tasting weed with distinctive arrowhead shaped leaves and long, spike-like clusters of tiny, reddish or greenish flowers; male and female flowers are on separate plants

The clusters of tiny reddish flowers and leaves (up to 2 in.) shaped like spear heads characterize sheep sorrel, a perennial weed. Sheep sorrel grows up to one foot in height. Flowers: about 1/12" (2 mm) long, in clusters up to 1/2 length of stem. Calyx 6-parted; petals absent.

Male flowers nodding on short, jointed stalks.

Female flowers with fruit protruding from deciduous sepals.

Leaves: 3/4_2" (2_5 cm) long.

Fruit: seedlike, shiny golden brown.

Height: 6 to 12" (15_30 cm).

Latin Name: Ulmus fulva

Ulmus fulva is only one of 16 members of ULMUS or Elm Tree Family. Other forms of family are considered much less effective. These include:

Ulmus alata {Winged Elm} Ulmus campestris {Cork-Barked Elm} Ulmus Chinensis Ulmus glabra {Scotch or Wych Elm} Ulmus Montana {Scotch or Wych Elm} Ulmus suberosa Fremontia Californica {Californian Slippery Elm} is not related but has some similar medicinal properties.

Slippery elm is one of valuable remedies in herbal practice with fantastic strengthening and healing properties. It contains as much nutrition as is found in oatmeal. Taken at night it helps to induce sleep. Native to Canada and US, it can be found growing in Appalachian Mountains. The inner bark is collected from trees which are at least 10 years old and bark is mainly powdered for therapeutic use.

Present-day use:

Homeopathic tinctures of slippery elm bark are used for skin problems and ulcerated conditions.

Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs recommends it use for gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Slippery Elm has been used for relief of coughs, asthma and bronchitis. Being rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin A B C and K it helps to feed and soothe organs, tissues and mucus membranes, especially in lung.

Slippery elm infusion has been injected into bowel in serious cases of diarrhea and dysentery where other treatments have failed.

With typhoid fever it cleanses, heals and strengthens patient.

It not only soothes and heals all that it comes into contact with, but is highly nutritious. Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for weak and convalescent, from infants to elderly. It has been used as a heart remedy, cystitis, irritation of urinary tract and has a great influence on diseases of female organs.

Mixed with Brewers Yeast and milk it has been used to stop gangrene.

Historical use:

Slippery Elm was traditionally used by Native Americans as a poultice for boils, ulcers and for wounds in general. Internally, it was commonly used for colds or fevers and to soothe an irritated digestive system - one of its main uses today.

The 'Slippery' part of Slippery Elm refers to texture of herb. This is because of large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal literature this is termed a 'demulcent' or an “emollient” agent, which means it is a soothing substance.

Typical Dosage: