Heracleum sphondylium vs Sorrel Herb

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Heracleum sphondylium

Nutritive

Rumex acetosa

Nutritive

Heracleum sphondylium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Sorrel Herb

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

European Apiaceae with edible shoots and folk medicinal use; sap causes severe photosensitivity burns.

European culinary and medicinal herb used in folk medicine for scurvy, fever, and digestive complaints. Rich in oxalic acid and vitamin C.

Active Compounds

bergapten, imperatorin, furocoumarins, flavonoids

oxalic acid, vitamin C, tannins, anthraquinones

Traditional Uses

Food plant young shoots in European folk traditions, Digestive complaints

Treat scurvy, Fever reduction, Digestive complaints, Spring tonic herb in European tradition

Modern Uses

Antioxidant properties, Mild digestive tonic

Antioxidant, Diuretic, Laxative, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Young cooked shoots as food only - avoid sap contact

Young leaves as food freely; dried herb tea 2-5g daily

Contraindications

Sap contact plus sunlight causes severe burns, Pregnancy, Children around plant

Kidney stones (high oxalate), Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout

Side Effects

Severe phototoxic burns from sap

Kidney stone formation with excess, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E