What are the characteristics of the Oxalis plant?
Oxalis, commonly known as wood sorrel, is a plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It can be further categorized into two types: red-flowered oxalis and yellow-flowered oxalis.
Yellow-flowered Oxalis: This variety is a perennial plant with a creeping herbaceous stem that grows close to the ground. The stem is usually hairy and light red in color. The leaves are long-stalked, alternately arranged, very thin, and heart-shaped. The flowers are yellow, and the fruits are elongated.
Oxalis, also known as wood sorrel, has various common names.
Red-flowered Oxalis: This type of oxalis can grow up to a height of 20 to 30 cm. It has long-stalked leaves that are compound, hairy, and slightly black on the underside.
In Vietnam, oxalis can be found in many provinces and cities across the country, from the North to the South. It prefers moist environments and can tolerate shade. It often grows wild on paddy fields, fallow land, or even in home gardens.
Unlike most herbs, which are typically used in their dried form, oxalis is predominantly used in its fresh form. While some remedies utilize all parts of the plant, others specifically use only the fresh leaves. The ideal time to harvest oxalis is from June to July.
Health Benefits of Oxalis
Oxalis offers a range of health benefits. Additionally, combining oxalis with other medicinal herbs can result in highly effective treatments. Here are some popular remedies:
– Sore Throat Treatment: Sore throat can be extremely uncomfortable, and if left untreated, it may lead to more serious health concerns. One of the natural remedies for sore throat involves the use of fresh yellow-flowered oxalis. Simply chew the oxalis leaves with a pinch of salt and slowly swallow the mixture.
Oxalis has a range of health benefits.
– Fever Reduction: Oxalis is known for its cooling properties. To treat high fever, wash and crush the yellow-flowered oxalis, add water, and then squeeze the mixture to extract the juice. Give this juice to the patient to help reduce their body temperature.
– Cough Remedy: Oxalis can be beneficial if you’re suffering from a cough. To prepare this remedy, you’ll need yellow-flowered oxalis along with other fresh ingredients like Centella asiatica (gotu kola), ribwort plantain, or chickweed. Crush the fresh herbs into a paste, add a teaspoon of sugar, and boil the mixture. Drink this concoction throughout the day, dividing it into three doses.
For whooping cough, a more intensive remedy can be prepared using oxalis leaves, ribwort plantain leaves, lemon root, and other herbs like chives, bitter melon seeds, and alum. Boil these ingredients with a little sugar, and then drink the concentrated liquid.
– Hypertension Treatment: To address high blood pressure, you’ll need oxalis along with other ingredients like Prunella vulgaris (self-heal) and chrysanthemum. Decoct this mixture and drink it once a day.
– Hepatitis and Jaundice Treatment: There are two approaches to treating these conditions using oxalis:
+ Use oxalis to prepare a decoction and drink it throughout the day.
+ Combine oxalis with lean pork to make a soup. Consume both the liquid and the solids.
– Diuretic: This remedy combines oxalis with plantain to promote urination. Wash and crush the oxalis and plantain, add sugar, and then squeeze the mixture to extract the juice. Drink this juice.
– Wound Treatment: A simple way to treat injuries is to heat oxalis and apply it to the affected area.
Precautions when using Oxalis
When using oxalis for medicinal purposes, keep the following in mind:
+ Excessive consumption of oxalis can lead to kidney and bladder stones due to the presence of oxalic acid.
+ Overconsumption may also lead to poisoning.
+ It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Always consult a healthcare professional before using oxalis or any other herbal remedies to ensure your safety.
