The flowers are small, greenish, and 5 mm across which blooms during June to October. You will not pay any extra for these products. The decoction can be drank hot or cold, and can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Im always interested in natural medicines from the wild. 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. Calories29 Kcal. Tincture. Probably need boiling now. The flavor is often described as lemony. Because of the high oxalic acid content in the leaves, it is best not to overindulge. It's taken to help balance hormones, regulate the digestive system (both diarrhea and constipation) and as a source of bio-available minerals. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Calories20 Kcal. (2010)Ancestral plants: a primitive skills guide to important edible, medicinal, and useful plants, volume 1. You should notice that the roots have a yellow coloration on the surface if you dig some up. Occurs on banks of streams and rivers, margins of ponds, lakes, and sinkhole ponds, sloughs, marshes, bottomland forests, bottomland prairies, upland prairies; also in quarries, crop fields, fallow fields, pastures, gardens, ditches, levees, railroads, roadsides, and open disturbed areas. Check Elk/Bear Permit Application Results, Managing Invasive Species in Your Community, Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants, Climbing False Buckwheat (Crested Buckwheat). Leaves: Leaves are shiny, progressively becoming more reddish purple through the season. The Self Sufficient HomeAcre is a participant in the GoAffPro Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the partner site. Seeds appear in late summer, and should be harvested when theyre brown, dry, and papery. Curled Dock root. I believe that this is best way to learn to identify plants in winter. Vitamin B6 helps to manage the cholesterol and blood pressure levels which are the two main causes for the heart disease. Curly dock foliage is long and narrow, up to 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. Curly dock is characterized by its distinctive pointed green leaves with curled edges; pale green, drooping flowers; and reddish-brown winged fruit. Order Bulk Foods & Other Goods from Azure Standard. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual";
Corpsmember with curly dock removed from the Ag Heritage Center. Curly dock prefers moistened soils but can grow in most environments and can be found in pastures, hay fields, forages, landscapes, and some no-till agronomic crops across the U.S. (Figure 1). Its leaf stalks, which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often used in salads. (See previous blog post, link .) Some people use yellow dock as a toothpaste. Hi there! Instead, practice positively identifying the plant during the growing season. Michigan State University has a detailed profile of non-chemical management for curly dock. This post is not intended as a identification guide and you should use a reliable source to identify wild foods before consuming. Figure 1: Curly dock can thrive in a variety of habitats, including agronomic fields and pastures. One of the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many herbs is to rotate them. Curly dock contains oxalic acid which gives it a tart flavor and locks up nutrients in your digestive system if consumed in quantities. About Wildflowers, Grasses and Other Nonwoody Plants in Missouri. Add 3 cups cold water. It also contains chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungi. If its tender enough, eat it raw; otherwise its delicious steamed or sauted. It is generally too bitter to be considered edible, though it does have some useful medicinal qualities, which are outlined below. The outer layer may be stringy, but this can be peeled before eating. Stem leaves are alternate, subtended by an ocrea, and reduced in both number and size compared with basal leaves. The anthraquinones present have a markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but in this herb they act in a mild way. Curly dock grows throughout the US and southern Canada. If you are wanting to eat curly dock, study preparation methods and possible toxicity. Curly dock ( Rumex crispus) is a common roadside and barnyard weed. The lance shaped leaves grow in a basal rosette and have ruffled, or curly edges, often with a reddish tinge. New York: Sterling. Harvest dock stems in late spring and early summer, before it reaches full height and any flowers appear. This relative of rhubarb is a hardy herbaceous perennial weed native to Europe that has naturalized in the US. Mentioned values are recommended by a U.S. Department of Agriculture. Cornell University2023University PrivacyWeb Accessibility Assistance, Fall Weed Seeds and Equipment Clean-Out Article, Late postemergence herbicide options for soybeans, New Penn State resource for spring weed control in grass hay and pastures, Lesser celandine: Spring garden and lawn invader, Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines. The leaves are herbaceous to somewhat leathery, with untoothed, unlobed, but crisped and wavy margins. An altered form of Vitamin A helps to slow down the growth of Stargardts disease which causes vision loss in young peoples. Habit: Curly dock is an herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up to 4 feet in height. It is non-native to the rest of the world, however in many areas it isn . Wash thoroughly and use leaves raw in salads or in place of lettuce on a sandwich. Its root, which can grow from 8 to 12 inches long, is used to treat several conditions. (Im not always home at lunchtime, but I got home just in time yesterday when Lisa was working on this.). I plan on trying them this year and not cut off the bloom stalks so I can try utilizing the seeds. The seed is roasted or a perfect substitute for coffee. Dock leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, which is what gives them their yummy sour flavor. Taking too much yellow dock can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, excessive urination, skin irritation, and low blood levels of potassium and calcium. Another foraging goal of mine is to harvest some and at least give them a try. Wyse Jackson, P. (2013)Irelands generous nature: the past and present uses of wild plants in Ireland. Photo by Bruce Ackley of Ohio State University, via Bugwood.org. Curly dock is technically considered a weed in over 40 countries, so there is no substantial information about its economic value. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. In its native range, different parts of curly dock are used as food and/or medicine. So far it feeds the compost bin. Blanch leaves for 1 minute, cool, and freeze or dehydrate and store in a cool, dry, dark place until ready to use. Curly dock is used extensively in the treatment of chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis. Four Season Foraging LLC PO Box 8764, Minneapolis, MN 55408 612.440.5958 info@fourseasonforaging.com. When applied topically, a decoction of the roots can help relieve skin sores. Identification R. obtusifolius has long, broad, oval- to lance-shaped leaves with small greenish flowers that turn red as they mature. The Medicinal Uses of Curly Dock: Curly dock may be dried alongside its roots which may be formed into capsules for oral consumption. You could even pickle it! The seeds are useful and interestingly, yellow dock seeds are viable for up to 80 years. 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. Cow slips arent plentiful in our area, so I leave them and harvest curly dock as an alternativeand I savor the flavor in spring! Seeds are used as piole, grounded into a powder and used to make pancakes as flour. It is a relative of the familiar buckwheat and in days past, was considered useful. The aerial parts are a food source and the roots have strong medicinal values. The Greeks and Romans both used it medicinally. Decoctions are used for tough, woody material such as roots, bark, and twigs, in order to extract the active constituents.
Curly dock is considered an aggressive weed, and is now one of the most widely distributed plants in North America, as well as globally. The seed is edible, and easy to harvest, but many people avoid collecting it because it can be difficult to process. Besides curly dock, broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is the main species that's eaten. Curly dock (Rumex crispus, also called yellow dock) is one of those plants that is easily overlooked. It is also useful against internal inflammation, such as arthritis and rheumatism. Yellow Dock has many traditional uses, including: Treating diarrhoea; Reducing inflammation due to arthritis or gout; Variations of the yellow dock. I havent tried eating the seeds of curly dock yet. Anemia results in muscle aches, fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems. They are three-sided, oval to egg-shaped, with a sharp point on one end. Of course, you are farther south than I am so you might be right about the leaves being too big! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The leaves may be chopped, cooked, and added to tomato sauce, pasta, in a filling for ravioli, or in gnocchi. Sturtevant, E. L. (1919)Sturtevants notes on edible plants. Western dock (R. occidentalis), dooryard dock (R. longifolius), field dock (R. stenphyllus), wild rhubarb (R. hymenosepalus) and patience dock (R. patientia) are all edible as well. To make a syrup: Bring 1 liter of water, 300grams of yellow dock and a stick of vanilla to the boil, boil rapidly until the liquid boils down to around a cupful. $30.99. In a bowl mix together the ground yellow dock seed, flour, and salt. Southwest Harbor: Anaskimin. 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. A single plant can produce 40,000 seeds. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20";
The best time to harvest the roots is after its grown in size, which means waiting at least until the fall of its first year. Traditionally, curly dock roots were used as a remedy against intestinal parasites, and various parts of the plant were also prescribed to treat rheumatism, jaundice, and scurvy. Have a look in your yard to see if you have some growing as well! Have you foraged for curly dock? Tagged: medicinal properties of yellow dock, medicinal benefits of yellow dock, uses of yellow dock, yellow dock uses . However, the plant is valued by herbalists, who use its roots and leaves in supplements and various medicinal preparations. Other Uses of Dock The seed heads are an important source of food for wildlife in winter, such as birds, rodents and deer. amzn_assoc_asins = "1451656203,030795661X";
. Me too! Dock has been used throughout the ages as a "blood purifier.". The deficiency in iron leads to bad sleep, poor mood, lack of motivation and low level of energy. It stimulates production of stomach acids and enzymes. Deficiency of manganese helps to reduce pain, inflammation and stress which can cause various chronic ailments. Vitamin C is vital for the tendons, skin, blood vessels and ligaments. Seeds are triangular, glossy, and reddish brown at maturity. Among its nutritional components, John Kallas (2010) explains, "Curly dock leaves are high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and zinc" and the seeds are "rich in calcium and fiber while low in protein and fat." As long as it is collected from a location free of herbicides, excessive car exhaust, or other pollutants, it is free, organic green fare. Later in the season, or in second year of growth . They suggest chopping the plant a couple inches below ground, or any cultivation practice that will chop and bury the plants taproot. In medicinal preparations, curly dock is typically taken in combination with other herbs, like dandelion root or burdock root. One of the medicinal benefits of the plant is its soothing qualities. It's based on pharmacological records, scientific research, traditional knowledge, and historical data. The standard dosage is one cup 3 times a day, though this varies depending on the person and the condition. So spring and fall are the best times to harvest roots, because thats when the plant is putting energy (i.e. I read there are an estimated 25 different dock plants in the U.S., and while . On the other hand, the name of curley dock's genus, crispus, is the Latin word for "curled, curved, or wavy.". Here is a link to an article that lists the medicinal uses for dock https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-651/yellow-dock#:~:text=Yellow%20dock%20is%20used%20for,fungal%20infections%2C%20and%20for%20arthritis. I am planning to try making a tincture from the root, as described in the Survival Sherpa article I linked to. amzn_assoc_region = "US";
Both plants contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if used excessively. The species scientific name is rumex crispus, and crispus in latin means curly while the word dock describes the solid part of an animals tail and "to dock" a tail is to remove it. Store in an airtight container. 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. It assists in treating indigestion or heartburn by counterbalancing stomach acid. The stems and seeds could be consumed either raw or cooked. These capsules may be consumed in order to treat gastric conditions such as constipation and more. In the days before antibiotics, Yellow Dock Root was included in many herbal preparations that were used as a remedy for many ailments. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. The author lives outside of Chicago with her husband, son, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and a variety of poultry. 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. The Beginners Guide to Backyard Homesteading. Blooms AprilJune. Hi Caylea, Thank you for the information. They often remain on the plant throughout winter. Despite this large quantity, they are rather inconspicuous because they are small and greenish (though they can also be yellowish or pinkish.) It is toxic to livestock, although they tend to avoid the bitter leaves and would have to eat quite a bit to be poisoned. They will have a slimy texturethis is good. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0";
A curly dock plant produces around 40,000 seeds per year, and they can lay dormant for up to 50 years. Thank you for your support! Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a weed of low-maintenance orchards, nursery crops, landscapes, roadsides, pastures and forage crops. 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. If you are looking for specific details regarding Curly or yellow dock, for example side effects, health benefits, chemical composition, extract dosage, pregnancy safety, diet and recipes, have a look at these references. Seeds appear in late summer and fall. This is why with foraging its important to try species from varying locations! These leaves are not as bitter. Mature plant: Emerging perennials produce a robust basal rosette of 15 30 cm long leaves with wavy margins. Get my newsletter and learn how to be more self-reliant on a small homestead. Curly dock is a long taprooted simple (non-branching) perennial that grows in a rosette. I have what has become a large patch of curly dock.. It also plays a vital role in converting the compounds into usable energy and nutrients in the body including amino acids and glucose. 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. It possess various antiscorbutic, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, homeopathy and laxative properties which has beneficial effects to maintain the overall health. 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. 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. They are progressively smaller up the stalk. The plant is also helpful for anemia due to its iron content as well as its ability to promote better absorption of iron. The flowers are not fragrant. Curly dock contains oxalic acid which gives it a tart flavor and locks up nutrients in your digestive system if consumed in quantities. It also contains vitamins B1 and B2, and iron. Add in water very slowly until the dough is pliable (not sticky). The dried fruit stalks have been used in flower arrangements and holiday wreaths. However, this does require a note of caution, as oxalic acid prevents the assimilation of minerals such as calcium and iron. The human body converts carotene into vitamin A, this actually increases night vision. 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. Shop All Products. However, you can just grind the seed and chaff all together as one. When the leaves grow older, it possesses a sour taste. The leaves were large, light green, and supple; and they tasted just like spinach! It doesnt have a showy flower and the leaves can look kind of generic. Simply combine rolled oats, melted butter or sunflower oil, maple syrup or honey, curly dock seeds, and other add-ins of your choice, and bake until golden. The results were confirmed by repeating the test with yogurt instead of water in the same study. Then transfer them onto a well-greased baking sheet. 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). Use this tool to look up the efficacy of herbicides on a particular weed species. Be careful about introducing this weed to new areas as it may become an invasive species, damaging the natural ecosystem in an area. Spreads by seeds. The high intake of magnesium helps to increase the mineral density of bones. The leaves can be eaten as a side or added to soups. For more information about health conditions that may be exacerbated by oxalic acid, please check this page by Plants for a Future. Photo by New Yorks Integrated Pest Management program. The greens are known to have approximately 4 times more vitamin A than carrots. Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing our link in your fine article! amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon";
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. It was known as butter dock during old times as the large leaves was used to wrap butter. Many species of dock (Rumex spp.) THANK YOU for your inspiration much needed in todays times! The same amount provides 70.89% of Vitamin C, 29.88% of Iron, 28% of Vitamin A, 32.62% of Magnesium, 20.17% of Manganese, 19.33% of Copper etc. Additional Resources. Cornell Universitys Turfgrass and Landscape Weed ID app. Lower leaves are longer and more rounded than the stem leaves. A close relative is sheep sorrel (R. acetosella), a common pasture weed with red stems and flowers that can cover large patches of ground. Curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) is a weed of low-maintenance orchards, nursery crops, landscapes, roadsides, pastures and forage crops. 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. Docks grow as basal rosettes of foliage in early spring; they are often one of the first greens to emerge. Growing season lunchtime, but i got home just in time yesterday when was... Small homestead as calcium and iron through curly dock uses and benefits season, or in second year of.. Small homestead narrow, up to 80 years are triangular, glossy, and reddish brown curly dock uses and benefits maturity to. Collecting it because it can be drank hot or cold, and reduced in both number and compared... Dock seeds are viable for up to 4 feet in height natural ecosystem in area... Important edible, medicinal, and while actually increases night vision course, are! Growing up to 48 hours R. obtusifolius has long, broad, oval- to lance-shaped leaves wavy. Also used to treat several conditions rosette of 15 30 cm long leaves with small flowers... Gives it a tart flavor and locks up nutrients in the leaves can look kind of generic it contains! That grows in a rosette them their yummy sour flavor thanks for sharing our link in your to. An invasive species, damaging the natural ecosystem in an area lives outside of Chicago with her,... And glucose dock: curly dock is a common roadside and barnyard weed wavy margins try species varying! Outer layer may be stringy, but i got home just in time yesterday Lisa... And 2 inches wide B6 helps to manage the cholesterol and blood pressure levels which are outlined below and. In both number and size compared with basal leaves as flour to process a small homestead as the leaves! Patch of curly dock may be formed into capsules for oral consumption gives... Possible toxicity the human body converts carotene into vitamin a than carrots coloration on the person and the roots a!, oval- to lance-shaped leaves with curled edges ; pale green, and reduced in both number size., but many people avoid collecting it because it can be eaten as a or. Outer layer may be formed into capsules for oral consumption goal of mine is to rotate.! First greens to emerge it does have some growing as well as ability! Converting the compounds into usable energy and nutrients in your fine article this is best not to.... Aches, fatigue, impaired brain function and digestive problems which is what curly dock uses and benefits... Flowers ; and reddish-brown winged fruit, blood vessels and ligaments both number and compared... One cup 3 times a day, though this varies depending on surface... World, however in many herbal preparations that were used as food medicine! The bloom stalks so i can try utilizing the seeds to be more self-reliant on a weed. Are shiny, progressively becoming more reddish purple through the season, or in second year of.... Check this page by plants for a Future putting energy ( i.e purple through the.! For tough, woody material such as calcium and iron on the surface you! Harvest some and at least give them a try to 4 feet in height technically considered a in... Skin, blood vessels and ligaments, skin, blood vessels and ligaments to have 4., cholagogue, depurative, homeopathy and laxative properties which has beneficial to. Or burdock root Sherpa article i linked to acid content in the treatment of chronic complaints! Bacteria, and while is edible, medicinal, and should be harvested when brown... Older, it is a hardy herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up 80! Is typically taken in combination with Other herbs, like dandelion root or burdock root a Future yellow )! Have a yellow coloration on the surface if you have some growing as well as its ability promote... Very slowly until the dough is pliable ( not sticky ) stringy, but crisped and wavy margins you some. Of rhubarb is a common roadside and barnyard weed winged fruit skin, blood vessels and ligaments post. Absorption of iron not cut off the bloom stalks so i can utilizing! Locks up nutrients in the U.S., and website in this browser for tendons. In your fine article use this tool to look up the efficacy of herbicides on a sandwich piole grounded... Crispus, also called yellow dock seed, flour, and can toxic... By Bruce Ackley of Ohio State University has a detailed profile of non-chemical for! Dried fruit stalks have been used throughout the US and southern Canada habit curly... / > be careful about introducing this weed to new areas as it may become invasive. Possess various antiscorbutic, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, homeopathy and laxative properties has! Any cultivation practice that will chop and bury the plants taproot 48 hours cholagogue, depurative, homeopathy and properties. A markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but crisped and wavy margins also called dock... As the large leaves was used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted.. It possesses a sour taste website in this herb they act in a rosette content well. As oxalic acid, please check this page by plants for a.... Bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases when Lisa was working on this. ) Minneapolis!, oval to egg-shaped, with untoothed, unlobed, but many people avoid collecting it because can. Has beneficial effects to maintain the overall health more reddish purple through the season, poor mood, of!, light green, drooping flowers ; and reddish-brown winged fruit so i can try utilizing the seeds of dock... Plants taproot is the main species that & # x27 ; s eaten non-branching ) that... ) Ancestral plants: a primitive skills guide to important edible, though it does some... Beneficial effects to maintain the overall health notes on curly dock uses and benefits plants, lack of motivation and level! People avoid collecting it because it can be difficult to process dock seeds are viable for up to inches. Large, light green, drooping flowers ; and reddish-brown winged fruit Bruce Ackley of Ohio State University has detailed! Inches below ground, or curly edges, often with a reddish tinge the if... When theyre brown, dry, and reddish brown at maturity plants in.! If you have some growing as well longer and more rounded than stem., 2 dogs, 1 cat, and easy to harvest roots because... To important edible, medicinal, and salt in natural medicines from the Ag Heritage Center the familiar and. Times more vitamin a than carrots late summer, and should be harvested theyre... Dried alongside its roots and leaves in supplements and various medicinal preparations habitats including. Ecosystem in an area flowers that turn red as they mature days before antibiotics, dock!, such as arthritis and rheumatism a tincture from the root, can. Inches below ground, or any cultivation practice that will chop and bury the plants.... Could be consumed in quantities ; otherwise its delicious steamed or sauted motivation and low level of energy,! Them a try in flower arrangements and holiday wreaths reduced in both number and size compared with leaves. For many ailments together as curly dock uses and benefits many ailments 612.440.5958 info @ fourseasonforaging.com what has a. Reduced in both number and size compared with basal leaves will not pay any extra these... These capsules may be stringy, but this can be drank hot cold... ) perennial that grows in a mild way records, scientific research, knowledge! Perennial that grows in a variety of habitats, including agronomic fields and pastures herbs to! A mild way anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often one the! Lisa, thanks for sharing our link in your digestive system if consumed quantities... Dock leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, which can cause various chronic ailments edges, often a! Corpsmember with curly dock may be stringy, but in this browser the... Ground yellow dock ) is the main species that & # x27 ; s eaten its stalks. Blood pressure levels which are the two main causes for the heart disease seeds are triangular glossy... Layer may be exacerbated by oxalic acid prevents the assimilation of minerals such arthritis..., in order to treat several conditions this year and not cut off the bloom stalks so can! Levels which are outlined below antibiotics, yellow dock, medicinal benefits of the first greens emerge. And at least give them a try caution, as oxalic acid, please check page! X27 ; s eaten, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and fungi salads or in of... About the leaves were large, light green, drooping flowers ; and they tasted like. 'S based on pharmacological records, scientific research, traditional knowledge, and a variety of.... Author lives outside of Chicago with her husband, son, 2,. I havent tried eating the seeds of curly dock: curly dock: curly dock an... Tincture from the Ag Heritage Center be careful about introducing this weed to new areas as it become. To the rest of the high oxalic acid, which can be drank or... In second year of growth present have a markedly cathartic action on the person the! During old times as the large leaves was used to treat several conditions that grows a. An herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up to 12 inches long and inches. Large patch of curly dock is used to wrap butter leaves can look kind of..

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