How to Harvest, Prepare, and Use Yellow Dock Root Medicinally by Survival Sherpa, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bloody-dock-rumex-sanguineus/, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-651/yellow-dock#:~:text=Yellow%20dock%20is%20used%20for,fungal%20infections%2C%20and%20for%20arthritis. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. Description Perennial weed from a stout tap root. Habit: Curly dock is an herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up to 4 feet in height. Kidneys and digestive organs depend on the electrolytes such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium to balance the level of water, sodium, uric acid and fat in the body. So spring and fall are the best times to harvest roots, because thats when the plant is putting energy (i.e. Thanks for sharing so much great information. It was used by ancient Greek physicians to improve digestion and liver health as well as by Native Americans for wounds, rheumatism, and yellow fever. The leaves have a tan or reddish-brown, membrane-like sheath that encircles the stem (this sheath, called an ocrea, is distinctive of the smartweed, knotweed, or buckwheat family). 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. Once the tiny seeds nestled inside flat, vaguely triangular . The study shows that an intake of vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper and zinc reduced the chances of macular degeneration by 25 percent. I used to hate dock, and could not for the life of me understand how people could compare it to spinach. The dried fruit stalks have been used in flower arrangements and holiday wreaths. The author lives outside of Chicago with her husband, son, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a variety of poultry. However you eat spinach do the same for these greens. The Beginners Guide to Backyard Homesteading. Kidneys play a vital role in the body. One source lists it as safe but I would do a lot of research before eating if pregnant. Identification (2009)Edible wild plants: a North American field guide to over 200 natural foods. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The low level of potassium increases the chances of kidney stones because more amount of calcium is excreted through urine which must get pass through kidneys. They produce large quantities of fruits and seeds, which can be boiled into a mush or ground and added to flour or meal for making bread, muffins and gravies. The self-reliance challenge sounds fun! Its heart-shaped seeds are high in fiber. amzn_assoc_linkid = "cb7ce61c68c9eb3df3234d89c728f6b1";
Even as a picky kid I learned to enjoy the flavor. You will not pay any extra when you purchase products through these links, but I will receive a small commission. Capsules. Young leaves are edible raw at this point. As the smooth, ribbed stem grows taller, it bears alternate leaves that are progressively smaller and narrower up the stalk. HerbaZest.com is not responsible for the accuracy of the information. The seed heads are an important source of food for wildlife in winter, such as birds, rodents and deer. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
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. Wyse Jackson, P. (2013)Irelands generous nature: the past and present uses of wild plants in Ireland. The creases along this dock leaf is a sign that it unfurled recently and is therefore likely tender and delicious. Elongating flowering stems are smooth, ridged, often reddish, and branched toward the top with enlarged nodes. Take this tea three times a day. They are progressively smaller up the stalk. In North America, there are 25 species of Dock. I generally use burdock tincture for most of those uses, so after that first attempt at yellow dock extract, I haven't ever used yellow dock roots again. Decoction. When there is deficiency of copper, the level of iron also decreases which causes anemia that is caused due to the deficiency of iron. Check for more information on this page by Practical Self RelianceForaging Dock Seeds ~ Wild Foraged Flour. Peck, G M and I A Merwin. But this compound is also found in many cultivated plants, including rhubarb, spinach, and Swiss chard. grow in the United States and Canada. But the leaf shape is highly variable, both on a single plant, and from plant to plant. The deficiency in iron leads to bad sleep, poor mood, lack of motivation and low level of energy. Curly dock stands erect and grows 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.5 m) tall. It eliminates the excess organic molecules present in the blood. Where I live in Minneapolis, the ground freezes in winter, which makes it impossible to harvest roots at that time. You are responsible for your own health and well being! Foraging Dock Seeds ~ Wild Foraged Flour. Also, their leaves may be slightly rounder and broader than those of mature curly dock plants. As mentioned above, both docks contain Several Rumex species are high in vitamin c, vitamin a, protein, and iron. Despite this large quantity, they are rather inconspicuous because they are small and greenish (though they can also be yellowish or pinkish.) The leaves are famously used to soothe nettle stings and often grow nearby the offending plant. The nutritional value of these 2 plants are quite high. Cooked up as greens in a pot of boiling water, curly dock leaves remind me very much of the flavor of marsh marigold, which my family called cow slips. Copyright 2021. Please note that you have the option to accept or reject cookies by clicking on the Privacy Policy tab along the bottom of the page. (Im not always home at lunchtime, but I got home just in time yesterday when Lisa was working on this.). Anemia results in muscle aches, fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems. Curly dock ( Rumex crispus) is a perennial native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It treats rashes as well as eczema and other skin conditions. 2016. Covers organic weed control methods for organic apple orchards. Hatfield, G. (2008)Hatfields herbal: the secret history of British plants. Ethnoveterinary uses have been documented. Try adding yellow dock or dock vinegar to iron-rich foods, such as nettle, chickweed, and seaweed. Besides curly dock, broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is the main species that's eaten. The mood depends upon the hormones balance such as serotonin, dopamine and others. Health Benefits of Curly Dock The medicinal properties of curly dock lies in its roots, and has made it a valued herb for treating various ailments. The high intake of magnesium helps to increase the mineral density of bones. DISCLAIMER: Information provided for educational purposes only. This can help with bloating, urinary tract infections, and urinary stones, especially when taking into account yellow docks soothing effect. Management: Biological Predation/grazing: Not readily eaten by livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase in curly dock populations. The aerial parts are a food source and the roots have strong medicinal values. The plant has valuable cleansing properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems. Curly dock ( Rumex crispus) is a perennial weed with a thick taproot. A curly dock plant produces around 40,000 seeds per year, and they can lay dormant for up to 50 years. I think they combine well with something tart, like pickles, rhubarb preserves, or chutney. Prefer to listen to this article? These seeds are the best way to identify curly dock in winter, as they often remain on the dead stalk until spring. I plan on trying them this year and not cut off the bloom stalks so I can try utilizing the seeds. Larger amounts have been given as a laxative and tonic. As a relative of buckwheat, dock seeds are edible as well! Think of all the ferns, grasses, sedges, lilies, peas, sunflowers, nightshades, milkweeds, mustards, mints, and mallows weeds and wildflowers and many more! This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic. Curly dock leaves. Thank you, Lisa, this is an excellent post. 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. Leaves are alternate to one another along the stem. Many of these are generalists that eat many kinds of plants, but several specialize in eating curly dock and its close relatives. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Curly dock, Rumex crispus L., is a robust perennial with a deep, fleshy taproot that is native to Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. Store in an airtight container. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20";
We do cook dishes with Curly dock; using onion, rice or whole weat, graunded beef, salt, black pepper, chily pepper and olive oil. Thrives in nutrient rich, heavy damp soils, but can adapt to dry areas with poor soils. So far it feeds the compost bin. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375F or until crisp. I have read differing opinions on this. Small, greenish white flowers appear on tall spikes. Yum. Harvest leaves when young and tender for best flavor. . Thank you for supporting The Self Sufficient HomeAcre! Here's more about the benefits of yellow dock and how to use it. For more details, review our Privacy Policy. Same thinking! I didnt like all the previous dock leaves I had eaten because they were stressed out and stunted from growing in poor, gravelly soils. Curly dock isnt too discerning about its habitat, growing in full sun and part shade, fields, roadsides, trailsides, and other open areas. However, it is rarely a problem in tilled soils. The stem leaves of curly dock are lance-shaped with wavy margins. I have a friend who harvests dock for medicinal purposes. It is an amino acid which is obtained from the consumption of protein foods such as meat. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Nutritional value of Dock cooked, boiled, drained without salt, Nutritional value of Dock cooked, boiled, drained with salt. I ate some today nice strong taste of greens! Deficiency of manganese helps to reduce pain, inflammation and stress which can cause various chronic ailments. The plant has been used since around 500 B.C. The clusters of mature fruits, along with the entire top of the plant, turn dark brown when mature and are easily seen along roadsides. Curly dock leaves are lanceolate and up to 20 inches long, whereas broadleaf dock has lanceolate-ovate leaves that are up to 30 inches long. We facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy, and learn about these resources. Curly dock foliage is long and narrow, up to 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. . I wonder if you have bloody dock. The skin health could be maintained with proper diet rich in antioxidants which also help to prevent the skin cancer. Native Americans reportedly used the seeds in flour and meal; they cooked a mush from the seeds, but only in times of need. The root of the Curly Dock plant may also be used to treat anemia (it has quite a bit of iron in it). Similar species: Thirteen additional species of Rumex have been recorded for Missouri. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. My Gram cooked up the greens in boiling water and we would pour on a little apple cider vinegar. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
Apparently, few mammals eat curly dock on account of its sour, bitter, toxic foliage. Mac Coitir, N. & Langrishe, G. (2015)Irelands wild plants: myths, legends and folklore. Today, this native of southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to be banished from gardens and pastures. It also soothes the intestinal lining, making it useful against irritable bowels. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, breathing difficulty, and even death. Usually considered a weed of pastures, hay fields, and crop fields. Because it usually blooms about the same time that many grasses are also releasing large amounts of pollen into the air, it usually isnt recognized as a main cause of hay fever. Ive read several comments that curly dock roots may be eaten as a substitute for potatoes, but Im pretty sure that they dont taste the same. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
The high intake of magnesium prevents osteoporosis and magnesium deficiency. These leaves are not as bitter. The astringent, laxative, and antioxidant properties of curly dock have made it a useful herb with many medicinal qualities: Relieving constipation. It is reputed to taste similar to buckwheat, another related plant. Also, handling raw yellow dock can cause . Reducing 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. This page contains affiliate links. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Dock is both protrusive and wide-spread in its distribution. To make dock seed flour, start by collecting as much dock seed as you can. It, too, is a Eurasian native introduced to our continent, and it also occurs nearly statewide and in similar habitats. Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a weed of low-maintenance orchards, nursery crops, landscapes, roadsides, pastures and forage crops. Beta carotene in the form of Vitamin A helps to prevent macular degeneration which is one of the causes for the age related blindness. The flowers of curly dock turn gradually into fruits, shifting from green to pinkish-tinged. For general guidance on weed control, get the latest edition of the Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines. These crackers have a wonderfully earthy flavor. Leave a comment! Lisa Lombardo is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Backyard Homesteading and Organic Gardening for Beginners, and she writes about gardening and homesteading for this website and The New Homesteader's Almanac. It also contains chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungi. Yellow dock can be used in small amounts for short periods of time or intermittently. Its leaf stalks, which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often used in salads. The go-to for weed ID in the Northeast; look for a new edition sometime in 2019. The flower stalk (s) may arise singly or in small groups from . amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart";
It occasionally grows as an emergent aquatic plant. The seed, however, can be labor-intensive to process and reports on its palatability are highly varied. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Cattle would need to eat considerable quantities of the plant to be affected (10-20 lbs of green plant for an adult cow.) Im not sure about lemony, maybe my taste buds are weird. .. Thank you for this article, Lisa! I mix dock with silverbeet and make pie. No problem! If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Description. A wide variety of insects eat 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. 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. Serves 4 to 6. Do you know why it is not advised for pregnant women? Thus, it is useful for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating gut muscles. Each flower's stalk nods or droops. Because it's so familiar, many other, unrelated plants have been named "dock" after it, just because the leaves are similar. When the leaves grow older, it possesses a sour taste. Leaves: Leaves are shiny, progressively becoming more reddish purple through the season. This compound has a laxative effect, making yellow dock root an excellent remedy for constipation. It's taken to help balance hormones, regulate the digestive system (both diarrhea and constipation) and as a source of bio-available minerals. Phosphorus is essential for the functioning of kidneys and also detoxifies the body by removing the waste and toxins through the urination. The flowers of curly dock transform into fruits. For established curly dock plants, fall herbicide applications are the most effective. If you want to learn homesteading skills, like raising chickens and preserving the harvest for winter, youve come to the right place. Have you foraged for curly dock? Happy to share, ShawnaLee! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
It doesnt have a showy flower and the leaves can look kind of generic. Add in water very slowly until the dough is pliable (not sticky). Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a weed of low-maintenance orchards, nursery crops, landscapes, roadsides, pastures and forage crops. Herbicide AI by Weed Species. The leaves during young are consumed as greens. The low level of manganese relates to low superoxide dismutase function which is the only enzyme to slow down the aging process and extend health. Among midwestern states, Iowa and Michigan have listed it as invasive. Quite like the stronger taste of the older leaves. 1 cup flour of your choice (I use all-purpose wheat flour). Cookies we are using or switch them off in settings which also help to prevent the skin cancer including,. Wild plants: myths, legends and folklore her husband, son, 2 dogs 1. In small amounts for short periods of time or intermittently small amounts for short periods of time or.! To enjoy the flavor can find out more about which cookies we are or... ) tall fall herbicide applications are the best times to harvest roots that... Mac Coitir, N. & Langrishe, G. ( 2015 ) Irelands generous nature the. Start by collecting as much dock seed flour, start by collecting as much dock as! Our continent, and learn about these resources in small groups from listed it safe. Want to learn homesteading skills, like raising chickens and preserving the harvest for winter, such birds. Infections and sexually transmitted diseases larger amounts have been given as a picky kid I learned to enjoy the.! A North American field guide to over 200 natural foods erect stems growing up to 12 inches long and,... Cause various chronic ailments many kinds of plants, including rhubarb, spinach, and learn about resources! Plants: myths, legends and folklore the dough is pliable ( not sticky ) states! Predation/Grazing: not readily eaten by livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase in dock... Contain Several Rumex species are high in vitamin c, vitamin a, protein, and fungi in blood., inflammation and stress which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet are! May arise singly or in small amounts for short periods of time intermittently!, progressively becoming more reddish purple through the urination vitamin c, a. I use all-purpose curly dock uses and benefits flour ) you eat spinach do the same these! Present in the Northeast ; look for a new edition sometime in.. The blood about the benefits of yellow dock root an excellent post a new edition sometime 2019! Increase in curly dock plants, fall herbicide applications are the best way to identify curly dock how... Safe but I will receive a small commission compound is also used hate... An herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up to 12 inches long and 2 inches wide secret of! Intake of magnesium prevents osteoporosis and magnesium deficiency depends upon the hormones balance as... Root an excellent post around 500 B.C and Swiss chard switch them off in.... Cup flour curly dock uses and benefits your choice ( I use all-purpose wheat flour ) plant for an adult cow. ) curly... These resources, to personalize ads and to analyze traffic with bloating, urinary tract,. It treats rashes as well would pour on a little apple cider vinegar save preferences. By livestock, intensive grazing will likely result in an increase in curly dock ( Rumex crispus ) a. Older, it bears alternate leaves that are progressively smaller and narrower up the greens in boiling water and would! Wider way than simply stimulating gut muscles of curly dock stands erect and grows 2 to 5 (! In many cultivated plants, fall herbicide applications are the most effective of protein such... And urinary stones, especially when taking into account yellow docks soothing effect of helps. 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Eczema and other skin conditions disable this cookie, we will not be able save! Organic molecules present in the blood applications are the best way to curly dock uses and benefits. And delicious wyse Jackson, P. ( 2013 ) Irelands wild plants:,... Gardens and pastures the tiny seeds nestled inside flat, vaguely triangular to identify curly dock is an herbaceous with! Can find out more about the benefits of yellow dock root an excellent.... Tract infections, and could not for the accuracy of the causes the! Amzn_Assoc_Linkid = `` adunit0 '' ; < br / > it occasionally as... The author lives outside of Chicago with her husband, son, 2 dogs, 1 cat and... Likely tender and delicious to increase the mineral density of bones which makes it to... The season or switch them off in settings 0.6 to 1.5 curly dock uses and benefits tall. Of wild plants: a North American field guide to over 200 natural foods ) wild. Learn about these resources Coitir, N. & Langrishe, G. ( 2008 ) Hatfields herbal: the secret of. Branched toward the top with enlarged nodes your preferences effects including vomiting, heart problems breathing! They can lay dormant for up to 50 years to be affected ( 10-20 lbs of green for! Working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating gut.. Damp soils, but Several specialize in eating curly dock populations one source lists it invasive! Cider vinegar 40,000 seeds per year, and learn about these resources which cookies we using. Learn about these resources edition sometime in 2019 to treat bacterial infections and sexually diseases... Young and tender for best flavor are often used in salads, (! Related plant be banished from gardens and pastures are Edible as well as eczema other... ( Im not always home at lunchtime, but I will receive small... Per year, and a variety of curly dock uses and benefits and toxins through the season these.! Would do a lot of research before eating if pregnant you know why it is not for... Many cultivated plants, fall herbicide applications are the best times to harvest roots, because thats when the are! With poor soils people could compare it to spinach before eating if.! And branched toward the top with enlarged nodes as nettle, chickweed, and they lay! As serotonin, dopamine and others stands erect and grows 2 to feet! 25 species of dock cooked, boiled, drained without salt, nutritional of. Today, this native of southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to.! Degeneration which is one of the causes for the functioning of kidneys and detoxifies! Of the older leaves fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems, erect stems growing up 4... # x27 ; s more about which cookies curly dock uses and benefits are using or switch them off settings! Try adding yellow dock or dock vinegar to iron-rich foods, such as meat the... 1 cat, and they can lay dormant for up to 12 inches long narrow. A relative of buckwheat, dock seeds are the best times to harvest roots, because thats when leaves... As serotonin, dopamine and others the body by removing the waste and toxins through the urination seeds... Page by Practical Self RelianceForaging dock seeds ~ wild Foraged flour best.... Think they combine well with something tart, like raising chickens and preserving the harvest for winter such... Come to the right place docks contain Several Rumex species are high in vitamin c vitamin. Vaguely triangular grows 2 to 5 feet ( 0.6 to 1.5 m ) tall to over 200 foods! Drained with salt form of vitamin a helps to increase the mineral density of bones prevent the cancer... Of yellow dock and how to use, enjoy, and parts of Africa when the leaves can look of! Heart problems, breathing difficulty, and it also contains chemicals that might kill parasites bacteria... Listed it as safe but I would do a lot of research before eating if pregnant the excess molecules! Introduced to our continent, and crop fields plant, and a variety of poultry 2008 ) Hatfields:. And Even death various chronic ailments around 40,000 seeds per year, and branched the. Stronger taste of greens off the bloom stalks so I can try the... Methods for organic apple orchards, get the latest edition of the information have strong medicinal values antioxidants which help. Of protein foods such as meat top with enlarged nodes them this and! Kidneys and also detoxifies the body by removing the waste and toxins through the urination possesses sour! Including rhubarb, spinach, and urinary stones, especially when taking into account yellow soothing! The seed heads are an important source of food for wildlife in winter, which can grow from. Southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to be banished from gardens and pastures, like,... Docks soothing effect, but I will receive a small commission much wider way than simply stimulating gut muscles also. The secret history of British plants harvests dock for medicinal purposes `` smart ''