Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in European, African, and some Asian cultures. For centuries, it has been included in herbal mixtures and remedies believed to support liver health and promote detoxification. This traditional use is often rooted in the plant's high content of antioxidants, vitamins (notably vitamin C), and certain polyphenols. Folk medicine practitioners have used sorrel as a "blood purifier" or mild diuretic, which was often interpreted as supporting the body's natural elimination processes, including those associated with liver function.

However, while these traditional uses are well-documented in ethnobotanical texts, there is limited direct scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of sorrel specifically for liver detoxification. Most modern research on sorrel has focused on its antioxidant activity and potential anti-inflammatory effects, but there are no high-quality clinical trials demonstrating a direct benefit for liver detoxification or treating liver diseases. The traditional reputation of sorrel as a liver-supportive herb persists, but scientific validation is lacking, and its use remains primarily based on historical and cultural practices rather than robust biomedical evidence.