Wood Sorrel

This is a different plant from the former. It grows upon the ground, having leaves coming from the root comprising three leaves, like trefoil, broad at the ends, and cut in the middle, of a yellowish green colour, each standing on a long foot-stalk, which at first are folded together, to the stalk, till they expand; they have an acid taste. The juice turns red when it is clarified and makes a fine clear syrup. Among these leaves rise up tender, weak footstalks, with a flower at the top, comprising five small-pointed leaves, star-fashion, of a white colour, and in some with a small show of bluish, on the back side only.

After the flowers follow small round heads, containing small yellow seeds. The roots are yellowish, small, and fibrous. The herb grows in woods, and wood sides. It flowers in april and may. This is more effectual than the other sorrels in preventing putrefaction of blood, and ulcers in the mouth and body, to quench thirst, to strengthen a weak stomach, procure an appetite, stay vomiting, and to prevent contagious sickness or fevers. It operates by urine, and removes obstructions in the viscera.

The syrup made of the juice and the distilled water of the herb are equally effectual. Sponges or linen cloths saturated with the juice, and applied to any hot swelling or inflammation, tends to reduce them. The juice gargled in the mouth repeatedly, is a remedy for canker or ulcers therein. It is very good to heal wounds, or to stay bleedings. Salts of lemon, is obtained from this plant, used to take ink-spots out of linen, and oxalic acid also, both rank poisons.