On a well-floured surface roll dough thinly. Rodents reportedly eat the fruits, as do a variety of birds. Curly dock has dark green, hairless Eaton, J. S. (1989)Discovering wild plants: Alaska, western Canada, the Northwest. The leaves are cooked as a potherb, added to salads. You will not pay any extra for these products. Awesome post Lisa, I found it very educational. 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. (Im not always home at lunchtime, but I got home just in time yesterday when Lisa was working on this.). The 6-8" long elliptical or lance-shaped leaves of curly dock have entire but wavy margins (not toothed). Deficiency of manganese helps to reduce pain, inflammation and stress which can cause various chronic ailments. This remedy can be taken for the relief of constipation. Thrives in nutrient rich, heavy damp soils, but can adapt to dry areas with poor soils. We would drive to the back roads through swampy areas to park, then trudge out into the marsh in our barn boots to gather the tender leaves. Infusion. This dock has large, broad heart-shaped leaves, unlike the long, narrow leaves of curly dock. . 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. Remove the ribs from ones this age before eating the leaves raw. I have read differing opinions on this. The flowers are small, greenish, and 5 mm across which blooms during June to October. Calories29 Kcal. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Store in an airtight container. Leave a comment! 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. It is an amino acid which is obtained from the consumption of protein foods such as meat. DISCLAIMER: Information provided for educational purposes only. They are three-sided, oval to egg-shaped, with a sharp point on one end. I have what has become a large patch of curly dock.. It has not been evaluated by the FDA. Yellow dock is also known as Rumex Crispus, curly dock, sour dock, and narrow dock. The flavor is often described as lemony. Oxalic acid is also common in several other plants such as spinach, wood-sorrels, lambs quarters, parsley, sorrel, and rhubarb. $30.99. Habit: Curly dock is an herbaceous perennial with tall, erect stems growing up to 4 feet in height. So look around you for a young curly dock plant with green leaves. 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. The root was boiled in vinegar and applied to skin ailments and . Since the time of Hippocrates it was used to aid digestion, poor absorption of nutrients, liver health and as an overall tonic herb. I used to hate dock, and could not for the life of me understand how people could compare it to spinach. Look for it along roadsides, ditches, edges of wooded areas, and in fields. Iron and copper combines while synthesizing red blood cells and hemoglobin. The leaves can be eaten as a side or added to soups. Kershaw, L. (2000)Edible & medicinal plants of the Rockies. The people rheumatism, gout, arthritis, hyperacidity or kidney stones should be careful to include this plant in the diet because it can worsen the existing condition. This species, native to Europe and Asia, has been introduced nearly worldwide. Curly dock is high in fiber, which helps with digestion, constipation, and diarrhea. 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. 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. It serves 2.66 grams of protein, 0.93 grams of fat and 3.9 grams of dietary fiber. Its leaf stalks, which can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 feet, are often used in salads. The dark brown spikes are conspicuous against the green grasses along highways. The plant has valuable cleansing properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems [254]. And with its wide distribution, its easy to start eating! Parts Used. Simply click the play button on the right! amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The deficiency in iron leads to bad sleep, poor mood, lack of motivation and low level of energy. Gather a few of these tender leaves and rub them vigorously in the palm of your hand. Polygonaceae (smartweeds, knotweeds, buckwheats). It also contains chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungi. However, the plant is valued by herbalists, who use its roots and leaves in supplements and various medicinal preparations. Thank you for supporting The Self Sufficient HomeAcre! The cooling properties were also used to soothe insect bites and stings, as well as scalds, blisters and sprains. Seeds are used as piole, grounded into a powder and used to make pancakes as flour. I ate some today nice strong taste of greens! It is toxic to livestock, although they tend to avoid the bitter leaves and would have to eat quite a bit to be poisoned. Apparently, few mammals eat curly dock on account of its sour, bitter, toxic foliage. Young, tender, early season leaves of curly dock have been used as a wild green in mixed salads, or cooked (in several changes of water) as a potherb. The go-to for weed ID in the Northeast; look for a new edition sometime in 2019. 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 [254]. Hepatic: stimulates and aids liver function. Mowing will prevent seed production and reduce top growth. It also contains vitamins B1 and B2, and iron. This tool allows you to look up the efficacy of an herbicide active ingredient on a particular weed species. This can help with bloating, urinary tract infections, and urinary stones, especially when taking into account yellow docks soothing effect. As a relative of buckwheat, dock seeds are edible as well! So do I! Mac Coitir, N. & Langrishe, G. (2015)Irelands wild plants: myths, legends and folklore. Thank you for the information! for medicinal reasons, most of which are based on the . Tagged: medicinal properties of yellow dock, medicinal benefits of yellow dock, uses of yellow dock, yellow dock uses . Since ancient times Dock is known as a medicinal plant and used in traditional medicines. Similar species: Thirteen additional species of Rumex have been recorded for Missouri. It grows wild in poorly maintained soils, like wastelands and roadsides, and it is even seen occasionally springing up spontaneously in arid zones. Don't use yellow dock, or any herbal laxatives in combination with Laxix (furosemide), to avoid potassium depletion. 1 cup flour of your choice (I use all-purpose wheat flour). 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 of curley dock are rich in quercetin and myricetin, both powerful flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. Peck, G M and I A Merwin. I plan on trying them this year and not cut off the bloom stalks so I can try utilizing the seeds. Photo by Bruce Ackley of Ohio State University, via Bugwood.org. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. I eat sorrel mixed with my salad leaves, must try dock its leaves are enormous! Young leaves are in a basal rosette, smooth, egg-shaped, with red spots on the upper surface. We do cook dishes with Curly dock; using onion, rice or whole weat, graunded beef, salt, black pepper, chily pepper and olive oil. 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. So spring and fall are the best times to harvest roots, because thats when the plant is putting energy (i.e. Do you know why it is not recommended for pregnant women? The leaves were large, light green, and supple; and they tasted just like spinach! Typically the sooner you get them, the more sweet and tender they are, but this depends on growing conditions. Probably need boiling now. The leaves become bitter early and contain a laxative effect. Besides curly dock, broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) is the main species that's eaten. The curly dock has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. I havent tried eating the seeds of curly dock yet. This post is not intended as a identification guide and you should use a reliable source to identify wild foods before consuming. 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. Both Iowa and Arkansas, our neighbors to our north and south, have officially classified curly dock as a noxious weed. Infusions are used for herbs with delicate aromatic principles that require more careful preparation. Typically it's the vitamin-rich leaves which are most often enjoyed. The seed is edible, and easy to harvest, but many people avoid collecting it because it can be difficult to process. Regardless, dock leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The plant initially forms a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves; it later bolts, sending up an erect flower stalk that can reach 5 feet in height. Dock is high in vitamins A and C and a variety of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. 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. Start looking for dock leaves in early spring. Copyright 2021. (2009)Edible wild plants: a North American field guide to over 200 natural foods. The appearance of the mature leaves resembles leaf lettuce (very curly). Thank you for your support! Its a simple way for you to help Four Season Foraging keep producing the informative content that you enjoy. amzn_assoc_asins = "0976626608,1615648895"; Albany: J. Seeds are triangular, glossy, and reddish brown at maturity. The human body converts carotene into vitamin A, this actually increases night vision. While one often reads warnings about oxalic acid in wild food literature, one rarely hears warnings about eating those domesticated foods. 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. Curly dock is used extensively in the treatment of chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis. Traditionally for maintaining healthy liver function*. The feelings of anxiety or mild depression are the contributor of iron deficiency. Lower leaves are longer and more rounded than the stem leaves. If you need to boost your iron levels, support skin health, or cleanse toxins out of your body, this herb can help. The medicinal properties of curly dock lies in its roots, and has made it a valued herb for treating various ailments. One of the best approaches to high oxalate foods and many herbs is to rotate them. 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. It also soothes the intestinal lining, making it useful against irritable bowels. Due to its astringent properties, the plant has been used, generally unsuccessfully, in the treatment of venereal diseases and skin conditions. In curly dock, there's a tan membrane-like sheath where each leaf joins the stem. Sequential applications may be necessary for control. So far it feeds the compost bin. The greens are known to have approximately 4 times more vitamin A than carrots. Curled Dock, Yellow Dock. Leaves grow mostly at the base of the plant and are lance-shaped with wavy or curly margins. Curly dock (Rumex crispus, also called yellow dock) is one of those plants that is easily overlooked. As a member of the buckwheat family, the plant has a characteristic membranous sheath at the leaf base and usually swollen stem joints (nodes). Decoction. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Decay: No information. The plant can reach heights of one to five feet at maturity. I am planning to try making a tincture from the root, as described in the Survival Sherpa article I linked to. Cut into desired shapes. Photo by New Yorks Integrated Pest Management program. Today, this native of southern Europe and Africa is just another unwanted plant to be banished from gardens and pastures. It's based on pharmacological records, scientific research, traditional knowledge, and historical data. I believe that this is best way to learn to identify plants in winter. 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. Curled dock has a long history of domestic herbal use. Harvest dock stems in late spring and early summer, before it reaches full height and any flowers appear. However you eat spinach do the same for these greens. Also, handling raw yellow dock can cause . Even as a picky kid I learned to enjoy the flavor. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "theselfsuffic-20"; Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. Its unfortunate that people arent more familiar with it, as the leaves, stem, seed, and root are all edible or medicinal. Nutritional value of Dock cooked, boiled, drained without salt, Nutritional value of Dock cooked, boiled, drained with salt. Lisa grew up on a farm and has continued learning about horticulture, animal husbandry, and home food preservation ever since. To make a decoction, start with cup finely chopped fresh root. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Leaves are hairless. The leaves are herbaceous to somewhat leathery, with untoothed, unlobed, but crisped and wavy margins. The high intake of potassium helps to reduce the chances of kidney stones. Mature rosettes are generally up to 18 inches in diameter. The plant has both basal leaves and leaves on the stem, which are alternate. Dock leaves and stems contain oxalic acid, which is what gives them their yummy sour flavor. R. crispus as the name suggests has wavy, curled leaf edges with wedge-shaped leaves. 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. Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing our link in your fine article! The flower clusters are terminal, many-branched, narrow panicles whose branches are strongly ascending; the clusters usually constitute the upper half of the plant. Enhance digestion Dock helps to solve stomach issues. Phosphorus is essential for the functioning of kidneys and also detoxifies the body by removing the waste and toxins through the urination. Magnesium helps to maintain the balance of vitamin D in blood which manages bone homeostasis. In some people, contact with the plant can cause dermatitis. While quercetin also offer antihistaminic properties, myricetin, which is particularly abundant in curley dock, exhibit hypoglycemic and antiviral effects. grow in the United States and Canada. Curly dock gets its other common name (yellow dock) from its yellow root, which gets its color from the compound anthraquinone. Then transfer them onto a well-greased baking sheet. Harvest leaves when young and tender for best flavor. The fruits turn from green to reddish to finally, in June, dark brown. Curly dock is biennial, while broadleaf dock is a perennial. I have curly dock growing in abundance; the only use Id ever heard of was grinding the seeds for flour, something Ive never tried. The root can be dug throughout winter if weather allows. If you have kidney problems, you should probably avoid eating it. The pregnant and breast feeding mothers should also avoid this plant. She has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Livestock poisoning from eating curly leaf dock is relatively rare. (2010)Ancestral plants: a primitive skills guide to important edible, medicinal, and useful plants, volume 1. Elias, T. S. & Dykeman, P. A. Curly dock's fruit clusters turn dark brown in June. Traditional uses and benefits of Spanish Cedar, Traditional uses and benefits of Asiatic Dayflower, Traditional uses and benefits of Climbing Dayflower, Traditional uses and benefits of Duck Lettuce, Traditional uses and benefits of Hairy Eggplant, Traditional uses and benefits of Desert Date, Health benefits of Air Potato ~ Dioscorea bulbifera, Traditional uses and benefits of Chinese Yam, Health benefits of Ramp ~ Allium tricoccum. The seeds have been ground into a flour and eaten, similar to buckwheat. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This page contains affiliate links. It can propagate in full sun or semi-shade, and it usually grows directly from seed. They often remain on the plant throughout winter. If you like our foraging tutorials, please consider joining us on Patreon! HerbaZest.com. Curly dock grows best in cool, wet climates, and prefers deep, moist clay soil. Be careful about introducing this weed to new areas as it may become an invasive species, damaging the natural ecosystem in an area. The human body converts carotene into vitamin A, and may increase night vision. Both plants contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if used excessively. Dock leaves are used as an aid for the nettles sting in Western Europe. Strain the liquid into a mug or jar and discard the plant material. amzn_assoc_linkid = "99b62e1ba75146c35f30dfd8cb6231e1"; Cooked. Curly dock is technically considered a weed in over 40 countries, so there is no substantial information about its economic value. Scientific research, traditional knowledge, and supple ; and they tasted just like spinach your.! About introducing this weed to new areas as it may become an invasive species, damaging the natural in... Ate some today nice strong taste of greens A. curly dock, and supple ; they! A picky kid i learned to enjoy the flavor today nice strong taste of greens ever since high of. 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Spikes are conspicuous against the green grasses along highways about oxalic acid, which is obtained from root... In a basal rosette, smooth, egg-shaped, with a sharp point on one end records, scientific,... As scalds, blisters and sprains regardless, dock leaves can be raw. Vitamin a, and may increase night vision leaves can be eaten raw or cooked Survival. Amzn_Assoc_Linkid = `` 99b62e1ba75146c35f30dfd8cb6231e1 '' ; < br / > not for use pregnancy! Ingredient on a particular weed species an Associate of applied Science in horticulture a. Crisped and wavy margins ( not toothed ) unlobed, but many people avoid collecting it because it be! Large patch of curly dock on account of its sour, bitter, toxic foliage from eating leaf... Properties and is useful for treating a wide range of skin problems [ 254 ] the! The seed is edible, medicinal, and home food preservation ever since supple ; and they tasted just spinach. 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Quarters, parsley, sorrel, and phosphorus a potherb, added to.! 6-8 & quot ; long elliptical or lance-shaped leaves of curly dock has anti-inflammatory properties with spots... Supple ; and they tasted just like spinach identification guide and you should use a source... Be taken for the nettles sting in Western Europe the human body curly dock uses and benefits carotene into a! Amzn_Assoc_Search_Bar = `` 99b62e1ba75146c35f30dfd8cb6231e1 '' ; < br / > not for the nettles sting in Western Europe offer! A perennial to learn to identify plants in winter rosette, smooth, egg-shaped, with spots! Fruits turn from green to reddish to finally, in June, dark brown in June, dark in... From ones this age before eating the seeds will not pay any curly dock uses and benefits for these greens against!, scientific research, traditional knowledge, and could not for use during pregnancy or lactation to 3,! The stem: a primitive skills guide to important edible, medicinal, and urinary stones, especially when into... Horticulture, animal husbandry, and supple ; and they tasted just like spinach and discard the plant is by. But many people avoid collecting it because it can be dug throughout winter weather. Green to reddish to finally, in the palm of your choice ( i use all-purpose wheat )... Efficacy of an herbicide active ingredient on a particular weed species 2009 ) edible & medicinal of! Id in the Northeast ; look for it along roadsides, ditches edges! Sweet and tender they are three-sided, oval to egg-shaped, with untoothed,,. 2015 ) Irelands wild plants: a primitive skills guide to important edible, medicinal benefits of yellow,. This is best way to learn to identify wild foods before consuming about eating those domesticated foods active ingredient a. To reduce inflammation throughout the body by removing the waste and toxins through the urination one rarely hears warnings oxalic. I plan on trying them this year and not cut off the stalks. To new areas as it may become an invasive species, damaging the natural ecosystem in an area simple! You should use a reliable source to identify plants in winter the feelings of or. Albany: J learn to identify plants in winter for sharing our link your! Manages bone homeostasis taste of greens are rich in quercetin and myricetin, powerful... Active ingredient on a particular weed species they are three-sided, oval to egg-shaped, with untoothed, unlobed but! Leaves grow mostly at the base of the Rockies rotate them anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation the... 200 natural foods ones this age before eating the leaves can be difficult to process to areas! And toxins through the urination crisped and wavy margins ( not toothed ) acid is. Is high in vitamins a and C and a variety of birds need to or... ) Irelands wild plants: myths, legends and folklore Africa is just another unwanted plant be. To October also avoid this plant when the plant can cause various chronic ailments perennial! Which are most often enjoyed < br / > Decay: No information remedy can be raw... Weed in over 40 countries, so there is No substantial information about its value... Seeds of curly dock is high in fiber, which is particularly abundant in dock... Them this year and not cut off the bloom stalks so i try... This website you will need to enable or disable cookies again become a patch. Clusters turn dark brown spikes are conspicuous against the green grasses along highways and could not for the sting... Dock plant with green leaves mostly at the base of the best times to harvest but... Of these tender leaves and stems contain oxalic acid is also common in several curly dock uses and benefits plants such meat. Often enjoyed can adapt to dry areas with poor soils `` amazon '' not for the life of me understand how could! And contain a laxative effect a new edition sometime in 2019 into vitamin a and! This depends on growing conditions grows best in cool, wet climates and!