- Oxalic acid and potassium hydrogen oxalate account for the toxic effect
- Most poisonous at flowering time
In the Black Forest, sorrel juice is valued. In many places, wood sorrel is also used for salads, soups and sauces. But isn't wood sorrel actually poisonous?
Too much wood sorrel is also harmful to pets
Oxalic acid and potassium hydrogen oxalate account for the toxic effect
Wood sorrel is considered slightly toxic due to its high content of oxalic acid and potassium hydrogen oxalate. These active ingredients become particularly dangerous if the wood sorrel is consumed in large quantities when it is fresh. Some of them are rendered harmless when heated.
Most poisonous at flowering time
The toxin content is highest during the flowering period (similar to spinach, rhubarb, beetroot). Anyone who has eaten too much wood sorrel can expect:
- nausea
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- irregular pulse
- falling blood pressure
- circulatory weakness
- paralysis
tips
Wood sorrel is not only poisonous, but also edible and medicinal. As with many other plants, the dose, harvest time and form of preparation also determine the poisonous or medicinal effect of sorrel.