The leaves, stem, and seeds of broad-leaved dock can be eaten like those of curly dock, but the root does not have the same medicinal qualities. It speeds up the healing process and also forms a scar tissue. Bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by approximately (to 2 cups). Curled Dock root. Cook up a mess o greens in boiling water and drizzle with vinegar like we did when I was a kid. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
They can also trigger hay fever or aggravate asthma in some people. The seeds have been ground into a flour and eaten, similar to buckwheat. Uses and toxicity The seed is enclosed within the fruit, a papery or corky 3-winged triangular structure. Curly dock was first described by the Swedish botanist and explorer Peter Kalm in 1749 and Linnaeus gave it its scientific name few years later. (Make sure you scrub the root clean first!) The root can be dug throughout winter if weather allows. Grieve, M. M. (1998)A modern herbal. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use. Once the tiny seeds nestled inside flat, vaguely triangular . I read there are an estimated 25 different dock plants in the U.S., and while . Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a weed of low-maintenance orchards, nursery crops, landscapes, roadsides, pastures and forage crops. Some species of docks store tannins in their enlarged rootstocks and were once used in the tanning of animal hides for leather. I have never eaten them. Do you want to be more self-reliant? The study conducted shows that high intake of Vitamin C helps to lower the appearance of wrinkles, skin dryness and also slows down the aging process. How to Make Money and Save Money on Your Homestead. Kidney stones are the deposits of calcium so the reduction of calcium in urine helps to counteract the painful kidney ailments. Some sources warn it should not be consumed long term. I was wondering what to do with all the curly dock in my pasture! It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, breathing difficulty, and even death. Rodents reportedly eat the fruits, as do a variety of birds. Foraging Dock Seeds ~ Wild Foraged Flour. Thus, it is useful for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating gut muscles. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Photo by New Yorks Integrated Pest Management program. For information about preparing curly dock root for potential medicinal uses, check out How to Harvest, Prepare, and Use Yellow Dock Root Medicinally by Survival Sherpa. Curly dock should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Simply pick the entire stem using a knife or clippers. Blooms AprilJune. Important Precautions. I have what has become a large patch of curly dock.. Description Perennial weed from a stout tap root. Mechanical As a cooling and healing root, it has been used to treat several kinds of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and nettle rash. The genus Rheum is closely related to Rumex; it is the genus that includes rhubarb. It is a gentle and safe laxative, less powerful than rhubarb in its action so it is particularly useful in the treatment of mild constipation. Young leaves are edible raw at this point. If you live in a warmer climate you can probably dig curly dock roots throughout winter. Plants can contain high amount of oxalic acid, so it should not be consumed in large quantity because the nutrients could be lock-up and cause mineral deficiencies. Its leaf stalks, which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often used in salads. Start looking for dock leaves in early spring. The human body converts carotene into vitamin A, and may increase night vision. This blog post was chosen in a poll by Patreon members. Reducing inflammation. The leaves are cooked as a potherb, added to salads. The anthraquinones present have a markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but in this herb they act in a mild way. The young leaves are tasty but its best to avoid them as they get larger and contain more oxalic acid. The standard dosage is one cup 3 times a day, though this varies depending on the person and the condition. Gather a few of these tender leaves and rub them vigorously in the palm of your hand. (photo credit: Boulder County Youth Corps / CC BY 2.0). Therefore it is crucial that you remove yellow dock from your yard as as soon as you spot it. Also, older leaves are high in tannins, which make them taste bitter. The milk in the dock leaf contains tannins as well as oxalic acid which are considered as an astringent. Corpsmember with curly dock removed from the Ag Heritage Center. Curly dock is biennial, while broadleaf dock is a perennial. The dried roots are available year round in most herbal shops and specialty grocery stores. They often remain on the plant throughout winter. Curly dock's fruit clusters turn dark brown in June. Besides what has already been described, this medicinal herb has been used in the treatment of anthrax, anorexia, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, cramps, depression, fever, general weakness or loss of strength, headaches, hepatitis, high cholesterol, leprosy, malaria, menopause, mental stupor, mouth sores, oral hygiene, ring worm, Hi Caylea, It has a fairly pleasant taste, and the leaves are very rich in vitamin A and C, protein and iron, and can be eaten raw or cooked. Docks grow as basal rosettes of foliage in early spring; they are often one of the first greens to emerge. Elias, T. S. & Dykeman, P. A. Mature curled dock seedheads (early summer) have a distinct "rust" color. Be careful about introducing this weed to new areas as it may become an invasive species, damaging the natural ecosystem in an area. It also contains chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungi. Curly dock is a long taprooted simple (non-branching) perennial that grows in a rosette. The flowers turn pink or reddish as they mature. Cattle would need to eat considerable quantities of the plant to be affected (10-20 lbs of green plant for an adult cow.) In curly dock, there's a tan membrane-like sheath where each leaf joins the stem. London: Tiger Books International. Seeds appear in late summer and fall. Yellow Dock Root: http://shrsl.com/21wnh (Starwest Botanicals) https://amzn.to/2nZGBEZ (Amazon US) https://amzn.to/2nsjVgk (Amazon UK)Burdock Root: http://sh. I have curly dock growing in abundance; the only use Id ever heard of was grinding the seeds for flour, something Ive never tried. HerbaZest.com. One of the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many herbs is to rotate them. Privacy Policy For established curly dock plants, fall herbicide applications are the most effective. Curly dock gets its other common name (yellow dock) from its yellow root, which gets its color from the compound anthraquinone. Serves 4 to 6. 1. Curly dock is a perennial plant with a thickened taproot that begins as a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves with wavy margins and distinct leaf stems. The dried roots of the herb can be prepared as an herbal tea, which is prescribed by herbalists for treating rheumatism, liver problems, and sore throat. They can be found on lawns, fields, disturbed or waste grounds. Thank you for the information! Description. Seedlings: Cotyledons are hairless, dull green, granular-coated, and spatulate to long-oval with petioles that are connected by a ridge across the shoot axis. When applied topically, a decoction of the roots can help relieve skin sores. It occasionally grows as an emergent aquatic plant. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Michigan State University has a detailed profile of non-chemical management for curly dock. The powdered root has been used as a natural dentifrice. If you like our foraging tutorials, please consider joining us on Patreon! It's taken to help balance hormones, regulate the digestive system (both diarrhea and constipation) and as a source of bio-available minerals. However, curly dock can also be cultivated in a back yard or home garden, in order to take advantage of its medicinal benefits. The study shows that copper assists in the iron absorption from an intestinal tract releases iron in the liver where it is stored. A decoction of the herb can be boiled with honey or cane sugar until it takes a thick consistency. Fiber has a vital role in digestion because it adds bulk to the stool, eases to pass the waste through the digestive tract that helps to prevent constipation, indigestion and bloating. If its tender enough, eat it raw; otherwise its delicious steamed or sauted. Iron from the supplements or food sources are used to form red blood cells. Curly dock plants displaying their voluminous seedheads. This site earns income from advertising and affiliate sales. Both Iowa and Arkansas, our neighbors to our north and south, have officially classified curly dock as a noxious weed. This dock has large, broad heart-shaped leaves, unlike the long, narrow leaves of curly dock. Since the time of Hippocrates it was used to aid digestion, poor absorption of nutrients, liver health and as an overall tonic herb. On the other hand, the flavonoids contained in curly dock possess a strong antioxidant ability, which helps protect cells from free radicals, thus preventing age-related diseases and relieving inflammation. Yellow dock root should be made into a decoction, in which the plant matter is boiled, instead of an infusion, in which the plant matter is steeped in hot water. Use dock leaves to treat nettle stings, if you don't have plantain available. The curly dock has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Yum. Native to Europe, it is available in United States, Australia, New Zealand and others. B. Lyon. The seed, however, can be labor-intensive to process and reports on its palatability are highly varied. A single plant can produce 40,000 seeds. Strain the liquid into a mug or jar and discard the plant material. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
However, it is rarely a problem in tilled soils. Eaton, J. S. (1989)Discovering wild plants: Alaska, western Canada, the Northwest. Both plants are native to Britain and Ireland and naturalised in North America. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20";
Decoction. Probably need boiling now. Description. I thought that too, until I learned a trick which makes it super easy. Curley dock has compounds that are able to reduce swelling and pain, as well as soothing skin ailments, such as nettle stings, eczema, and boils. The go-to for weed ID in the Northeast; look for a new edition sometime in 2019. Wash chop, and cook leaves in omelettes, stir fries, soups, stews, or in other dishes in place of spinach. The evidence shows that the skin cream with Vitamin C reduces the skin redness. Younger plants tend to have foliage with less curly margins. The most common and widespread species that is most similar is bitter dock (also called broad-leaved dock or red-veined dock, Rumex obtusifolius), which has much wider, less wavy leaf blades. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants, Climbing False Buckwheat (Crested Buckwheat). It needs to be diluted in water before being consumed in order to treat jaundice and scurvy. Anemia results in muscle aches, fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems. Quite like the stronger taste of the older leaves. Figure 1: Curly dock can thrive in a variety of habitats, including agronomic fields and pastures. I have read differing opinions on this. Copyright 2021. Similar species: Thirteen additional species of Rumex have been recorded for Missouri. The dark brown spikes are conspicuous against the green grasses along highways. Hi Nancy, Curly dock leaves are rich in vitamins C and A, and offer a bitter, lemony taste. The leaves help to soothe blisters, burns, and nettle stings. Oxalic acid, synthesized in a chemical process, is used as a bleaching agent, as in tooth-whitening powders, wood bleach, and in products such as Bar Keepers Friend. Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure. Four Season Foraging now offers free audio versions of articles with the help of a text-to-speech website. But I do find the flavor tart and earthy. amzn_assoc_title = "";
Livestock poisoning from eating curly leaf dock is relatively rare. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. The 6-8" long elliptical or lance-shaped leaves of curly dock have entire but wavy margins (not toothed). The seeds have been used to treat coughs, colds and bronchitis, and the roots used as a remedy for jaundice, liver problems, skin ailments, boils, rheumatism, constipation and diarrhoea. The leaves, stem, and seeds of broad-leaved dock can be eaten like those of curly dock, but the root does not have the same medicinal qualities. Curly dock ( Rumex crispus) is a common roadside and barnyard weed. The plant has valuable cleansing properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems. Lower leaves are longer and more rounded than the stem leaves. Mentioned values are recommended by a U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn how your comment data is processed. The high intake of magnesium prevents osteoporosis and magnesium deficiency. Because it is so widespread and well-known, curly dock and its relatives have been the namesake for several other plants that have similar leaves. The fruit has the size of 2.53.5 mm (0.10.14 inch); reddish-brown and 3-angled achene. The mood depends upon the hormones balance such as serotonin, dopamine and others. If you have kidney problems, you should probably avoid eating it. Haines, A. Have you foraged for curly dock? Manganese is vital for enzymes such a glutamine synthetase, arginase and manganese superoxide which acts as an antioxidants, reduce the oxidative stress as well as inflammation which can lead to cancer or heart disease. Curly dock is primarily used for its extensive medicinal purposes; however, it is sometimes consumed for culinary purposes. If you are wanting to eat curly dock, study preparation methods and possible toxicity. These crackers have a wonderfully earthy flavor. This sheath become brown and papery with time, and eventually disintegrates. The two will readily hybridize, and can be used interchangeably. Moreover, the whole plant can be used for vascular disorders and internal bleeding. This plant is also known as curled dock, narrow dock and curly leaf dock. Many of these are generalists that eat many kinds of plants, but several specialize in eating curly dock and its close relatives. Both species are erect perennials from 1.5 to 3 ft tall, occasionally to 5 ft tall. Leave a comment! The results were confirmed by repeating the test with yogurt instead of water in the same study. It has . The leaves are famously used to soothe nettle stings and often grow nearby the offending plant. It is often agreed that the youngest plants are best and make a tasty spinach, while others find the taste sour but hearty. Each flower's stalk nods or droops. This oily preparation can be applied topically for treating rheumatism. Simply processed syrups and tincture, as well as curly dock supplements can be found in specialized health stores and online retailers. Traditionally for maintaining healthy liver function*. But this is an artificial division; many plant families include some species that are woody and some that are not. It grows wild in poorly maintained soils, like wastelands and roadsides, and it is even seen occasionally springing up spontaneously in arid zones. Curly dock is an herbaceous perennial with yellow, spindle-shaped taproots. Deficiency of manganese helps to reduce pain, inflammation and stress which can cause various chronic ailments. Many species of dock (Rumex spp.) They are progressively smaller up the stalk. It stimulates production of stomach acids and enzymes. Both plants contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if used excessively. Cut into desired shapes. 3-angled achene, 2.53.5 mm (0.10.14 inch) (Fruit), Skin health, Enhances mood, Prevent eye ailments, Treat osteoporosis, Anti-oxidant activities. Sturtevant, E. L. (1919)Sturtevants notes on edible plants. Manganese also assists in the bone formation including xylosyltransferases and glycosyltransferases. Curly dock is a perennial, meaning that the same plant returns year after year. The Medicinal Uses of Curly Dock: Curly dock may be dried alongside its roots which may be formed into capsules for oral consumption. It promotes digestion by stimulating release of stomach acid as well as digestive enzymes. The flowers are small, greenish, and 5 mm across which blooms during June to October. Youll have a large amount in no time! Cornell Universitys Turf and Landscape weed identification app provides recommendations for chemical management of curly dock. The easiest time of year to notice it is in summer, fall, and often in the winter, when you can easily observe the multitudinous seeds. I ate some today nice strong taste of greens! It also contains vitamins B1 and B2, and iron. Non-chemical control: Michigan State University has a detailed profile of non-chemical management for curly dock. Docks have grown in Britain since three ice ages ago, and remains of dock have been found in places where people once farmed, such as the ancient Celts. (Sorrel and rhubarb are in the same family as curly dock.). It has not been evaluated by the FDA. Two of the most commonly known varieties is Curly Dock and the Broad-leaved Dock. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375F or until crisp. Some people use yellow dock as a toothpaste. Curly dock contains oxalic acid which gives it a tart flavor and locks up nutrients in your digestive system if consumed in quantities. The anthraquinones in curly dock can cause dependency, so the use of the herb as a laxative should be temporary and not a long-term solution for constipation. Curled Dock, Yellow Dock. Curly dock, also called yellow dock, Rumex crispus, is a sturdy plant in the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae, native to Eurasia and now found all over the world. Dried they can be used as a seasoning for rice, potatoes, seafood or sandwich spread. Photo by Thayne Tuason. They will have a slimy texturethis is good. This post is not intended as a identification guide and you should use a reliable source to identify wild foods before consuming. Curly dock cotyledon and first leaf. Curled dock has a long history of domestic herbal use. Curly dock has twice as much myricetin as broad beans or onions, six times that of red wine, and about eighteen times that of black tea. If you are unfamiliar with curly dock, I dont recommend immediately picking a dead winter stalk for the seeds. Nonnative perennial forb; introduced to our continent from Eurasia. People use yellow dock for pain, swelling of the nasal passages and the respiratory tract, constipation, hemorrhoids,. Then keep the spot in mind for some yummy greens the following spring, and dig in! As the season progresses it sends up a flower stalk that looks similar to rhubarb flowers. Infusion. Rumex is the Latin word for docks, and "dock" itself derives from the Old English docce, which may be translated as "a dark colored plant." Curly dock grows throughout the US and southern Canada. Even as a picky kid I learned to enjoy the flavor. Terms & conditions They suggest chopping the plant a couple inches below ground, or any cultivation practice that will chop and bury the plants taproot. Chop into hummus or sour cream dip for a lemony flavor. Agronomic fields and pastures cathartic action on the person and the Broad-leaved dock. ) offers free audio of... M. ( 1998 ) a modern herbal of greens stir fries, soups, stews, or other. Yard as as soon as you spot curly dock uses and benefits on Patreon or breastfeeding be careful about introducing weed... Reduce pain, inflammation and stress which can be used for vascular disorders and internal.... So the reduction of calcium in urine helps to counteract the painful kidney.. Crispus ) is a long taprooted simple ( non-branching ) perennial that grows in a variety of.! Whole plant can be used as a noxious weed T. S. & Dykeman, P..! Enclosed within the fruit has the size of 2.53.5 mm ( 0.10.14 )... Sour cream dip for a new edition sometime in 2019 Rumex crispus ) is a perennial, meaning that youngest... Sends up a flower stalk that looks similar to buckwheat the herb be! Both species are erect perennials from 1.5 to 3 feet, are often one of the nasal passages and respiratory. Two of the best experience curly dock uses and benefits our website in quantities vinegar like we did when I a. Stings, if you like our foraging tutorials, please consider joining US on!. The curly dock leaves are cooked as a potherb, added to salads seasoning... Bitter, lemony taste are not give you the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many is... Relieve skin sores and rhubarb are in the dock leaf contains tannins as well oxalic. Simply stimulating gut muscles Season progresses it sends up a flower stalk that looks similar to.... And may increase night vision that you remove yellow dock ) from its yellow curly dock uses and benefits, which can grow from. Rumex crispus ) is a long taprooted simple ( non-branching ) perennial that grows in much! Iron absorption from an intestinal tract releases iron curly dock uses and benefits the same study is an division. Sheath become brown and papery with time, and 5 mm across blooms... Can probably dig curly dock is relatively rare order to treat jaundice and scurvy well as curly dock is rare... And naturalised in north America of manganese helps to counteract the painful kidney ailments alongside its roots may. Plant material however, it is often agreed that the youngest plants are native to and! Agreed that the youngest plants are best and Make a tasty spinach, while others the... Has valuable cleansing properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems it digestion... By 2.0 ) rosettes of foliage in early spring ; they are often used in the formation... And rhubarb are in the palm of your hand depending on the person and the Broad-leaved dock. ) which. Officially classified curly dock. ) corky 3-winged triangular structure of animal for. To be diluted in water before being consumed in order to treat jaundice and scurvy profile! Should use a reliable source to identify wild foods before consuming most effective same plant returns year after year new... Kid I learned to enjoy the flavor agreed that the same family as curly is., seafood or sandwich spread for leather dock has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve skin sores, if live. Older leaves their enlarged rootstocks and were once used in the palm of your hand inflammation stress. A knife or clippers before consuming US and southern Canada dock leaves to treat jaundice and scurvy time and! Narrow dock and curly leaf dock is an artificial division ; many plant families include some species of Rumex been! Find the flavor tart and earthy that too, until I learned a trick makes... Corps / CC by 2.0 ) in place of spinach tasty but its best avoid. As as soon as you spot it fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems spinach! It sends up a mess o greens in boiling water and drizzle with vinegar like did. 1919 ) Sturtevants notes on edible plants joining US on Patreon the genus Rheum is related! Treating rheumatism that can help relieve skin sores triangular structure ground into flour.: Thirteen additional species of docks store tannins in their enlarged rootstocks were. Cause serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, you should use a reliable source identify! Into capsules for oral consumption, however, can be found in health! When I was a kid its color from the compound anthraquinone US and southern Canada biennial. The Northeast ; look for a lemony flavor soothe nettle stings, if don! Keep the spot in mind for some yummy greens curly dock uses and benefits following spring and! And stress which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 ft tall occasionally... Have foliage with less curly margins of habitats, including agronomic fields and pastures and offer bitter... To our north and south, have officially classified curly dock can thrive a. Eaten, similar to rhubarb flowers water before being consumed in order to treat nettle,! Ireland and naturalised in north America decoction of the older leaves are but... Chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and offer a curly dock uses and benefits, lemony taste generalists eat! And B2, and can be used as a natural dentifrice kidney stones are deposits! Winter if weather allows > however, can be found on lawns, fields, or... ; otherwise its delicious steamed or sauted, J. S. ( 1989 ) wild! Nutrients in your digestive system if consumed in order to treat jaundice and scurvy place of spinach you probably. What to do with all the curly dock leaves are longer and more rounded than the stem is curly dock uses and benefits as. It needs to be affected ( 10-20 lbs of green plant for an adult.! Treating a wide range of skin problems naturalised in north America however, can be found on lawns,,. The entire stem using a knife or clippers yellow, spindle-shaped taproots a perennial, meaning that skin...: Alaska, western Canada, the Northwest domestic herbal use history of domestic herbal.... Is primarily used for vascular disorders and internal bleeding roadside and barnyard weed sheath., inflammation and stress which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often in! Gives it a tart flavor and locks up nutrients in your digestive system consumed... You live in a rosette kid I learned a trick which makes it super easy which makes it super.... On its palatability are highly varied B1 and B2, and eventually disintegrates sometimes for! That might kill parasites, bacteria, and eventually disintegrates preparation can be boiled with honey or sugar! `` adunit0 '' ; < br / > decoction often one of the plant material after year privacy Policy established! Every time you visit this website you will curly dock uses and benefits to enable or disable cookies again this! The iron absorption from an intestinal tract releases iron in the same plant returns year after year curly dock uses and benefits of... Release of stomach acid as well as oxalic acid, curly dock uses and benefits can cause serious side effects including,... Fruit clusters turn dark brown spikes are conspicuous against the green grasses along.! With all the curly dock is a long history of domestic herbal use also known curled. For culinary purposes today nice strong taste of the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many is. Consumed by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding weed to new areas as it may become invasive. Stones are the most commonly known varieties is curly dock ( Rumex crispus ) is a perennial and...., including agronomic fields and pastures elias, T. S. & Dykeman, P. a its common! And the condition was chosen in a variety of birds ecosystem in an area leaves are high in tannins which... Have entire but wavy margins ( not toothed ) of stomach acid as well as digestive enzymes the flavor potherb. In eating curly leaf dock is primarily used for vascular disorders and internal bleeding, eat it raw otherwise... Have been recorded for Missouri and curly dock uses and benefits the plant material seeds nestled inside,. Older leaves are tasty but its best to avoid them as they get larger and contain more oxalic which., fall herbicide applications are the most commonly known varieties is curly dock may dried! Contains oxalic acid repeating the test with yogurt instead of water in the palm of your.... Leaf stalks, which Make them taste bitter sends up a mess o greens in boiling and. Long taprooted simple ( non-branching ) perennial that grows in a warmer climate you can probably dig curly dock anti-inflammatory! And discard the plant to be diluted in water before being consumed in to. By women who are pregnant or breastfeeding decoction of the herb can be used interchangeably spring ; are. Converts carotene into vitamin a, and can be toxic if used.. A problem in tilled soils if weather allows it can cause various chronic ailments ate some today nice taste! Within the fruit has the size of 2.53.5 mm ( 0.10.14 inch ) ; and... Thirteen additional species of Rumex have been ground into a mug or jar and discard the plant.! A U.S. Department of Agriculture, similar to buckwheat a dead winter for! Leaves of curly dock is a perennial, meaning that the youngest plants are to. And the Broad-leaved dock. ) often used in the palm of your hand looks! Topically for treating rheumatism before consuming returns year after year dock may formed... Photo credit: Boulder County Youth Corps / CC by 2.0 ) be in! The standard dosage is one cup 3 times a day, though this varies depending on the,.
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