The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 14r. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa). This plant has been cultivated for centuries. Its sour tasting leaves are added to spice up salads, soups and stews. Oxalic acid, is responsible for sorrel’s sour taste . Sorrel is toxic when eaten in large quantities due to calcium oxalate stones that are deposited in the kidneys, causing kidney failure. Sorrel was used to treat sinusitis by reducing inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and as a diuretic. (1) (A)