Per-Ankh Feed
Monday, 18 January 2021
Wood Sorrel

Wood Sorrel
(Spiraea Ulmaria)
Description:
Wood-sorrel (Latin oxalis, wood sorrel, from Greek, from oxus, sour) is one of the characteristic early spring-flowering plants of the woodland floor, along with wood anemone, bluebell and ramsons. It is characteristic of old woodland, native oakwood, demesne plantations and shaded hedgebanks. Leaves basal, stalked, with 3 heart shaped leaflets.
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies and Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The Welsh call the sorrel "crinche cranche."
Size: 6-12cm
Distribution: Throughout the UK
Flowering months: April to May
Habitat: Moist woods, moorland and on shady rocks
Folk Names: Aleluya, Alleluia, Common Wood Sorrel, Kazayagi, Mountain Woodsorrel, Sleeping-beauty, Witte Klaverzuring
Effects: healing, health, spiritual healing, affection, joy, maternal tenderness
Planet: Venus
Element:
Associated Deities: Fairies, Elves, Woodland Spirits
Edible Uses:
Curdling agent; Flowers; Leaves.
Leaves - raw or cooked. A delicious lemony flavour, the leaves make a refreshing, thirst-quenching munch and are also added to salads, soups, sauces etc. This leaf should be used in moderation.
Flowers - raw. A decorative addition to salads.
The dried plant can be used as a curdling agent for plant milks
Medical Indications:
Anodyne; Antiscorbutic; Astringent; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Irritant; Stomachic.
The fresh or dried leaves are anodyne, antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, irritant and stomachic. A decoction is used in the treatment of fevers, both to quench the thirst and allay the fever. Externally, the leaves are crushed and applied locally to dispel boils and abscesses, they also have an astringent affect on wounds. When used internally, some caution is advised due to the oxalic acid content of the leaves, the plant is contra-indicated for people suffering from gastritis or a calculus condition.
The leaves of the wood sorrel are used fresh or dried, boiled in water for five minutes to reduce fever and quench thirst. The plant also has diuretic properties, but it should be used sparingly by people suffering from gout or rheumatism as it contains Oxalic salts.
(Photograph taken 18/04/2003 ©2003-2008 Ryewolf)
DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that this information is provided solely for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to using any herbs or treatments made from herbs.
- Herborium
- More Pages »
- Herborium
- The Yew Tree
- Meadowsweet
- Butterbur
- Wood Sorrel
- Wood Anemone
- Broom
- Ivy-Leafed Toadflax
- Ramsons Wild Garlic
- Lesser Celandine
- Rosemary
- Honeysuckle
Social Stuff
Quote of the DayQuote Of The Day: Monday, 18 January 2021
Look wise, say nothing, and grunt
Colour and Incense of the Day:
Monday, 18 January 2021
Todays Colour is: Puce
Todays Incense is: Dragons Blood
TWG Newsletter
The Newsletter is due to be published in -44214 days, on the .
Enter your email to subscribe to the TWG Newsletter.
Quick Links
Moon Phases
Monday, 18 January 2021
Last Quarter 6 Jan 09:37
New Moon 13 Jan 05:00
First Quarter 20 Jan 21:01
Full Moon 28 Jan 19:16
Sabbats
Northern Hemisphere
Imbolc - Feb 2nd
Ostara - Mar 21st/22nd
Beltane - April 30th/May 1st
Lithia - June 21st/22nd
Lammas - July 31st/Aug 1st
Mabon - Sept 21st/22nd
Samhain - Oct 31st
Yule - Dec 21st/22nd
The Next Sabbat is: Imbolc in 15 days.
Northern Hemisphere
Imbolc - Feb 2nd
Ostara - Mar 21st/22nd
Beltane - April 30th/May 1st
Lithia - June 21st/22nd
Lammas - July 31st/Aug 1st
Mabon - Sept 21st/22nd
Samhain - Oct 31st
Yule - Dec 21st/22nd
The Next Sabbat is: Imbolc in 15 days.
Southern Hemisphere
Imbolc - August 1st
Ostara - September 21st/22nd
Beltane - Oct 31st/Nov 1st
Lithia - Dec 21st/22nd
Lammas - Feb 1st/2nd
Mabon - March 21st
Samhain - April 30th/May 1st
Yule - June 21st
2021 Solstices and Equinoxes
Spring Equinox: 20th Mar 22:45
Summer Solstice: 21st June 16:38
Autumn Equinox: 23rd Sept 08:20
Winter Solstice: 22nd Dec 04:38
Latest Blog Entries
Aug
23
Jul
8
Dec
22
Oct
25
Sep
12
Widget Box
Events
Week: 4Day: 18 of 365
January - 2021 | ||||||
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Starsign: Capricorn

22nd Dec - 19th Jan
The Goat.
A Feminine, Cardinal Earth sign.
In astrological traditions Capricorns seek to live in the light of day, are ambitious and admirers of excellence.