PATIENT & CAREGIVER EDUCATION Sheep Sorrel

This information describes the common uses of Sheep Sorrel, how it works, and its possible side effects.

Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

How It Works

There is no evidence that sheep sorrel can treat cancer, diarrhea, scurvy, or any other medical condition.

Sheep sorrel is a flowering plant considered a perennial weed. It is native to Europe, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa as well as being prevalent in all parts of the United States. Sheep sorrel has been historically used to treat inflammation, scurvy, cancer, and diarrhea. It is also one of the four ingredients in Essiac, an alternative cancer treatment.

Scientific research has not been performed on sheep sorrel, but scientists are familiar with how some of the natural compounds found in this plant work. Anthraquinones stimulate peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract and increase the secretion of mucous and water into the intestine. This can cause a laxative effect. These compounds are also considered to be antioxidants and therefore may be able to neutralize free radicals, which can cause cellular and DNA damage in the body.

Sheep Sorrel 1/3 Purported Uses

To treat cancer Evidence is lacking to support this claim.

To treat diarrhea Evidence is lacking to support this claim.

To reduce fever Evidence is lacking to support this claim.

To reduce inflammation Evidence is lacking to support this claim.

To treat scurvy Sheep sorrel contains vitamin C, which helps prevent scurvy, but there are no clinical data to support use. Do Not Take If

You have a history of kidney stones: The oxalate content in sheep sorrel can contribute to kidney stone formation.

You are taking diuretics: Most diuretics cause potassium loss from the body, which can be increased by the laxative effect of sheep sorrel. This increases the risk of hypokalemia, or dangerously low blood potassium levels. Side Effects

Upset stomach

Abdominal cramps

Diarrhea, possibly leading to dangerously low blood potassium levels

Kidney and liver damage

Sheep Sorrel 2/3 If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly.

If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5:00 PM, during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000.

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Sheep Sorrel - Last updated on November 15, 2019 All rights owned and reserved by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Sheep Sorrel 3/3