Evidence supporting the use of: Sheep Sorrel
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) has a history of traditional use in herbal medicine, including as part of multi-herb formulas such as Essiac tea, which is often promoted for lymphatic and glandular health. Folk healers and herbalists have historically used sheep sorrel as a "blood purifier" and to support lymphatic drainage, particularly in the context of swollen glands. However, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting its direct effect on the lymphatic system or on reducing swollen glands. Most references to its use for glandular issues come from anecdotal reports, traditional herbal texts, and its inclusion in popular herbal blends used for general detoxification or cancer support, where it is believed (without scientific validation) to help with lymphatic congestion. Modern clinical studies confirming these effects are lacking. Any benefit observed is likely due to sheep sorrel's general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are modest and not specific to the lymphatic system. Thus, its use in this context remains primarily traditional, with minimal scientific substantiation.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
betelIndian frankincense
bovine
burdock
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fu ling
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
spruce
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
chickweed
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
peony
goldenrod
myrrh
fern
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
cleavers
paw paw
white oak
geranium
Aralia
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Bupleurum
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cajuput
Centipeda
cypress
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Sheep Sorrel
AbscessesBleeding (external)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores