Dock (with scientific name Rumex crispus) is also known from other common names such as yellow dock or curled dock. It is a perennial flowering plant which belongs to Polygonaceae family, inherent to Europe and Western Asia. The plant is erect, perennial with solitary stems about 6 to 15 dm long, glabrous to sparsely papillose-pilose. Leaves are about 16-60 cm long and 0.8-6 cm wide. Leaves are lanceolate or narrowly oblong to lanceolate. Basal ones are glabrous to papillose with strongly undulate, crisped margins, obtuse or acuminate apex and 2 to 30 cm long petioles. Flowers are perfect and more than 15 in open verticils and more/less widely spaced in leafy and racemose, paniculate inflorescences, recurved and slender pedicles. Outer tepals are 1.2-1.5 mm long and valves measure 1.8-2.2 mm long. Nuts are glossy, dark brown and measures 2.2 mm long. The root structure is yellow and forking taproot.

Health Benefits of Dock vegetable

1. Constipation relief

The herb contains glycocides and anthraquinones which makes it a potent laxative. It soothes inflamed intestinal linings and also stimulates free bowel movement to support constipation and indigestion. It stimulates production of stomach acids and enzymes. Take this tea three times a day.

2. Enhance digestion

Dock helps to solve stomach issues. It assists in treating indigestion or heartburn by counterbalancing stomach acid. It promotes digestion by stimulating release of stomach acid as well as digestive enzymes. Intake yellow dock in form of tea three times a day before meal to promote digestive health.

3. Skin health

Apply the ointment made from this herb to abrasions, skin lesions, sores and eruptions. Native Americans use powdered pulp of herb and apply to various skin ailments.

4. Acts as antioxidant

Scientific study shows that root has antioxidants which neutralize free radicals preventing tissue as well as cell damage especially in the liver. Such benefit could be experienced with an intake of tea made of herb’s extracts.

5. Helpful for anemia

Root of yellow dock helps to improve iron absorption in intestines. Moreover, iron assist in red blood cells production and combat anemia. It contains holistic chemicals known as bio-flavonoids which strengthen capillaries and assist blood circulation. It is also helpful for constipation and skin problems.

6. Laxative activity

Yellow dock enhances digestion as it acts as a natural laxative. It contains small amount of anthraquinone glycosides which supports release of water in intestines and promotes release of bowels. When used in form of tea, it provides a relief from constipation.

Culinary uses

• Leaves are cooked as well as consumed raw.
• Add leaves to salads, soups or cook as potherb.
• Roasted seeds are used as a substitute for coffee.

Medicinal uses

• It is used to treat mild constipation and various skin problems.
• It provides relief from diarrhea.
• It is used to treat diarrhea, constipation, bleeding of lungs and piles.
• Poultice made from roots are used to treat ulcers, sores, wounds and skin problems.
• When used excessively, it could cause nausea, gastric disturbance and dermatitis.
• It is used to treat cough.

Side effects

• Plants have high oxalic acid levels.
• Cooking helps to lower oxalic acid content.
• It might worsen the condition of arthritis, rheumatism, hyperacidity or kidney stones.
• People using drugs such as diuretics, miacalcin, Dilantin and mithracin should not use dock.
• Avoid its use by people with liver disease, kidney disease and electrolyte abnormality.
• Consult the health practitioner if experienced seizures, fatigue, numbness around mouth and muscle spasms.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=20937#null

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rumex_crispus.htm

https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Rumex+crispus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumex_crispus

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/curly_dock.htm

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RUCR

http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1652

http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Rumex+crispus

https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-yellow-dock-89534

https://healthyfocus.org/benefits-of-yellow-dock/

https://urbol.com/yellow-dock-root/

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