Dock Vegetable – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

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Dock Vegetable/Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also called common sorrel or garden sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae. Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock ('dock' is a common name for the genus Rumex).[rx] Sorrel is a common plant in grassland habitats and is often cultivated as a leaf vegetable or herb. Sorrel is a slender herbaceous perennial plant...

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Dock Vegetable/Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also called common sorrel or garden sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae. Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock ('dock' is a common name for the genus Rumex).[rx] Sorrel is a common plant in grassland habitats and is often cultivated as a leaf vegetable or herb. Sorrel is a slender herbaceous perennial plant about 60 centimeters (24 inches) high, with roots that run deep into the ground, as well as juicy stems and...

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1

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Dock Vegetable/Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also called common sorrel or garden sorrel is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae. Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock (‘dock’ is a common name for the genus Rumex).[rx]

Sorrel is a common plant in grassland habitats and is often cultivated as a leaf vegetable or herb. Sorrel is a slender herbaceous perennial plant about 60 centimeters (24 inches) high, with roots that run deep into the ground, as well as juicy stems and arrow-shaped (sagittate) leaves.[rx] The lower leaves are 7 to 15 centimeters (3 to 6 inches) in length with long petioles and a membranous ocrea formed of fused, sheathing stipules. The upper ones are sessile and frequently become crimson. It has who

 

Dock vegetable Quick Facts
Name:Dock vegetable
Scientific Name:Rumex crispus
OriginEurope and Western Asia
ColorsBrown
ShapesAchene, 3.5-6 x 3-6 mm
Calories29 Kcal./cup
Major nutrientsVitamin C (70.89%)
Iron (39.88%)
Vitamin A (38.00%)
Magnesium (32.62%)
Tryptophan (28.41%)

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

NameDock vegetable
Scientific NameRumex crispus
NativeEurope and Western Asia
Name in Other LanguagesGerman: Krauser Ampfer;
Danish: Kruset skræppe;
English: Curled dock,  Curly dock, Narrowleaf dock, Sour dock, Yellow doc, Indian tobacco, Curly-leaved dock, Narrow-leaved dock;
Norwegian: Berghøymol;
Swedish: Lippskräppa;
Chinese: zhou ye suan mo;
French: herbe patience, oseille crépu, oseille, patience, reguette, patience crépu, rumex crépu;
Japanese: nagaba-gishi-gishi;
Spanish: acedera crespa, lengua de caballo, acelgas, gualtata, lengua de vaca, romaza crespa, romaza, vinagrillo;
Afrikaans: krultongblaar, weeblaar;
French: patience crépu, reguette, rumex crêpu;
German: krauser Ampfer;
Italian: romice conglomerate;
Portuguese: labaça-crespa, labaça-selvagem, língua-de-vaca, paciência;
Swedish: krusskräppa
Plant Growth HabitHerbaceous perennial
Plant Size1 to 3 feet tall
Stem30-160 cm
LeafOblong-lanceolate; 6 inches long and 1 inches across
Flowering SeasonJune – September
Fruit shape & sizeAchene, 3.5-6 x 3-6 mm
SeedsWinged
Seed weight1 to 3 g
FlavorSlightly sour
Major NutritionsVitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 63.8 mg (70.89%)
Iron, Fe 3.19 mg (39.88%)
Vitamin A, RAE 266 µg (38.00%)
Magnesium, Mg 137 mg (32.62%)
Tryptophan 0.125 g (28.41%)
Manganese, Mn 0.464 mg (20.17%)
Copper, Cu 0.174 mg (19.33%)
Isoleucine 0.222 g (13.28%)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.162 mg (12.46%)
Phosphorus, P 84 mg (12.00%)
Calories in 1 cup, chopped (133 g)29 Kcal.

 

Dock vegetable Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Rumex crispus

RankScientific Name & (Common Name)
KingdomPlantae  (Plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants)
SubkingdomViridiplantae  (Green plants)
InfrakingdomStreptophyta  (Land plants)
SuperdivisionEmbryophyta
DivisionTracheophyta  (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
ClassMagnoliopsida
SubclassCaryophyllidae
OrderCaryophyllales
FamilyPolygonaceae  (Knotweed, renouées, buckwheat)
GenusRumex L. (Dock)
SpeciesRumex crispus L. (Curly dock, narrowleaf dock, sour dock, yellow dock)
Synonyms
  • Lapathum crispum Garsault
  • Rheum crispum G.Don

Nutritional value of Dock, raw

Serving Size: 1 cup, chopped, 133 g

Calories 29 Kcal. Calories from Fat 8.37 Kcal.

ProximityAmount% DV
Water123.69 gN/D
Energy29 KcalN/D
Energy122 kJN/D
Protein2.66 g5.32%
Total Fat (lipid)0.93 g2.66%
Ash1.46 gN/D
Carbohydrate4.26 g3.28%
Total dietary Fiber3.9 g10.26%
MineralsAmount% DV
Calcium, Ca59 mg5.90%
Iron, Fe3.19 mg39.88%
Magnesium, Mg137 mg32.62%
Phosphorus, P84 mg12.00%
Potassium, K519 mg11.04%
Sodium, Na5 mg0.33%
Zinc, Zn0.27 mg2.45%
Copper, Cu0.174 mg19.33%
Manganese, Mn0.464 mg20.17%
Selenium, Se1.2 µg2.18%
VitaminsAmount% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.053 mg4.42%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.133 mg10.23%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)0.665 mg4.16%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.055 mg1.10%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)0.162 mg12.46%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)17 µg4.25%
Folate, food17 µgN/D
Folate, DEF17 µgN/D
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)63.8 mg70.89%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE266 µg38.00%
Vitamin A, IU5320 IUN/D
Amino acidsAmount% DV
Tryptophan0.125 g28.41%
Threonine0.136 g7.73%
Isoleucine0.222 g13.28%
Leucine0.153 g4.14%
Lysine0.047 g1.41%
Phenylalanine0.152 gN/D
Tyrosine0.11 gN/D
Valine0.177 g8.38%
Arginine0.144 gN/D
Histidine0.072 g5.84%
Alanine0.176 gN/D
Aspartic acid0.241 gN/D
Glutamic acid0.287 gN/D
Glycine0.152 gN/D
Proline0.154 gN/D
Serine0.102 gN/D
FlavonolsAmount% DV
Kaempferol13.7 mgN/D
Myricetin7.6 mgN/D
Quercetin114.6 mgN/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Dock vegetable

  1. Constipation relief

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

  1. Enhance digestion

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

  1. Skin health

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

  1. Acts as antioxidant

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

  1. Helpful for anemia

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

  1. Laxative activity

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

Culinary uses

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

Medicinal uses

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

Side effects

  • Plants have high oxalic acid levels.
  • Cooking helps to lower oxalic acid content.
  • It might worsen the condition of pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis, rheumatism, hyperacidity, or kidney stones.
  • People using drugs such as diuretics, Miacalcin, Dilantin, and mithracin should not use a dock.
  • Avoid its use by people with liver disease, kidney disease, and electrolyte abnormality.
  • Consult the health practitioner if experienced seizures, fatigue, numbness around the mouth, and muscle spasms.

References

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Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Use oral rehydration solution and safe fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Continue safe, light food as tolerated.
  • Seek care for children, older adults, pregnancy, or chronic illness.

OTC medicine safety

  • ORS is usually safer than unnecessary antibiotics for simple watery diarrhea.
  • Do not use anti-diarrhea stopping medicines if there is blood in stool or high fever unless a doctor advises.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Blood in stool, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, very low urine, or lethargy needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Dock Vegetable – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Recipes

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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