Docks are known as Rumex Crispus and it is mostly known in its root which contains many health benefits. It is also categorized as the health tonic. This beneficial herb can be mostly found in North America and it has been known as the herbal formula to heal some diseases. For a long time ago the ancients used yellow docks’ roots and leave as tea.
Yellow dock is used for pain and swelling (inflammation) of nasal passages and the respiratory tract and as a laxative and tonic. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Yellow dock is also sometimes used to treat intestinal infections, fungal infections, and arthritis.
Some people use the yellow dock as toothpaste. It is also applied to the skin to stop bleeding and for hemorrhoids.
Historically, yellow dock has been used for skin diseases, skin inflammation (dermatitis), rashes, a vitamin deficiency called scurvy, obstructive jaundice, and psoriasis with constipation.
OTHER NAME(S):
Acedera, Amalvelas, Broad-Leaved Dock, Chukkah, Curled Dock, Curly Dock, Field Sorrel, Herbe à Cochons, Lengua de Vaca, Narrow Dock, Oseille Crépue, Parelle Sauvage, Patience Crépue, Romaza, Rumex, Rumex crispus, Rumex obstusifolius, Sheep Sorrel, Sour Dock, Yellow dock.
Dock Quick Facts
Name:
Dock
Scientific Name:
Rumex spp.
Origin
Native to Europe, it is available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Colors
Reddish-brown (Fruit)
Shapes
3-angled achene, 2.5–3.5 mm (0.1–0.14 inch) (Fruit)
Taste
Sour (Raw leaves)
Calories
29 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients
Vitamin C (70.89%)
Iron (39.88%)
Vitamin A (38.00%)
Magnesium (32.62%)
Manganese (20.17%)
Rumex spp., commonly known as broadleaf dock, cushy-cows, butter dock, kettle dock, curly dock, and small dock, is a species of flowering plant in a buckwheat family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe which is now available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and others. The three varieties of the dock are Curled dock, Western dock, and Willow dock. It could be found on entire continents as pasture weed, grains, and tillage cropland. This plant is considered perennial weeds. It has alternate leaves with tough and unbranched stems. The dock does best in loamy fertile soils. It is a weed in lawns, orchards, home gardens, roadsides as well as waste areas. It is generally found on borders of woods, floodplains, buildings, and poorly drained as well as nutrient-rich soils. It is common in acid soils and upland sites.
DOCK FACTS
Rumex obtusifolius has large leaves and some lower leaves have red stems. The leaves are crisped and wavy. The flowers are greenish at first which turns red when they get matured. The seeds are reddish to brown in color. The broadleaf dock is treated as a weed that is somewhat poisonous. The plant produces milk which causes mild dermatitis.
Name
Dock
Scientific Name
Rumex spp.
Native
Native to Europe, it is available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Spanish: acedera de hojas obtusas, Portuguese: labaca-obtusa, French: patience à feuilles obtuses, Czech Republic: stovik tupolisty, Greece: lapatho, Germany: Stumfblättriger Ampfer, Italy: lingua di capra, Netherlands: zuring, Japan: ezonogishigishi, Sweden: scrappy, Poland: Szczaw tepolistny, Spanish: engorda puercos, Chinese: un ye suan mo, Japanese: ezo-no-gishi-gishi, French: oseille, Portuguese: labaca
Plant Growth Habit
Perennial herbaceous
Soil
Loamy fertile
Plant Size
1-3 ft.
Root
Stout, branched, yellow taproot
Stem
Tough, reddish, unbranched, Height: 1.2 m
Leaf
Alternate, lanceolate to ovate; Length: 30 inches
Flowering Season
June-October
Flower
Small, greenish, Across: 5 mm
Fruit shape & size
3-angled achene, 2.5–3.5 mm (0.1–0.14 inch)
Fruit color
Reddish-brown
Taste
Sour (Raw leaves)
Seeds
Length: 4-6 mm
Varieties/Types
Curled dock
Western dock
Willow dock
Major Nutritions (Raw)
Vitamin 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%)
Manganese, Mn 0.464 mg (20.17%)
Copper, Cu 0.174 mg (19.33%)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.162 mg (12.46%)
Phosphorus, P 84 mg (12.00%)
Potassium, K 519 mg (11.04%)
Total dietary Fiber 3.9 g (10.26%)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.133 mg (10.23%)
Valine 0.177 g (8.38%)
Isoleucine 0.136 g (8.13%)
Threonine 0.125 g (7.10%)
Leucine 0.222 g (6.01%)
Calories in 1 cup chopped (133 g)
29 Kcal.
Plant
It is a perennial herbaceous plant that has a tough, reddish, and unbranched stem, reaching a height of 1-3 ft. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate to ovate, and are 30 inches long. The flowers are small, greenish, and 5 mm across which blooms from June to October. The plant has a stout, branched, and yellow taproot. The fruit has the size of 2.5–3.5 mm (0.1–0.14 inch); reddish-brown and 3-angled achene.
Nutritional value of Dock, raw
Serving Size: 1 Cup chopped, 133 g
Calories 29 Kcal.Calories from Fat 8.37 Kcal.
Proximity
Amount
% DV
Water
123.69 g
N/D
Energy
29 Kcal
N/D
Energy
122 kJ
N/D
Protein
2.66 g
5.32%
Total Fat (lipid)
0.93 g
2.66%
Ash
1.46 g
N/D
Carbohydrate
4.26 g
3.28%
Total dietary Fiber
3.9 g
10.26%
Minerals
Amount
% DV
Calcium, Ca
59 mg
5.90%
Iron, Fe
3.19 mg
39.88%
Magnesium, Mg
137 mg
32.62%
Phosphorus, P
84 mg
12.00%
Potassium, K
519 mg
11.04%
Sodium, Na
5 mg
0.33%
Zinc, Zn
0.27 mg
2.45%
Copper, Cu
0.174 mg
19.33%
Manganese, Mn
0.464 mg
20.17%
Selenium, Se
1.2 µg
2.18%
Vitamins
Amount
% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
0.053 mg
4.42%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
0.133 mg
10.23%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
0.665 mg
4.16%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
0.055 mg
1.10%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
0.162 mg
12.46%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
17 µg
4.25%
Folic Acid
0 µg
N/D
Folate, food
17 µg
N/D
Folate, DEF
17 µg
N/D
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
63.8 mg
70.89%
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE
266 µg
38.00%
Vitamin A, IU
5320 IU
N/D
Amino acids
Amount
% DV
Threonine
0.125 g
7.10%
Isoleucine
0.136 g
8.13%
Leucine
0.222 g
6.01%
Lysine
0.153 g
4.58%
Methionine
0.047 g
N/D
Phenylalanine
0.152 g
N/D
Tyrosine
0.11 g
N/D
Valine
0.177 g
8.38%
Arginine
0.144 g
N/D
Histidine
0.072 g
5.84%
Alanine
0.176 g
N/D
Aspartic acid
0.241 g
N/D
Glutamic acid
0.287 g
N/D
Glycine
0.152 g
N/D
Proline
0.154 g
N/D
Serine
0.102 g
N/D
Flavonols
Amount
% DV
Kaempferol
13.7 mg
N/D
Myricetin
7.6 mg
N/D
Quercetin
114.6 mg
N/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
Since ancient times Dock is known as a medicinal plant and used in traditional medicines. It possesses various antiscorbutic, astringent, cholagogue, depurative, homeopathy, and laxative properties which have beneficial effects to maintain the overall health.
Skin health
The study conducted shows that a high intake of Vitamin C helps to lower the appearance of wrinkles, skin dryness and also slows down the aging process. Vitamin C is vital for the tendons, skin, blood vessels, and ligaments. It speeds up the healing process and also forms scar tissue.
The evidence shows that skin cream with Vitamin C reduces skin redness. Skin health could be maintained with a proper diet rich in antioxidants which also help to prevent skin cancer.
Enhances mood
Neurotransmitters depend on an adequate amount of iron in the blood to maintain a positive mood. The mood depends upon the hormones balance such as serotonin, dopamine, and others. When low levels of oxygen are present in the body, the brain cannot synthesize properly.
The deficiency in iron leads to bad sleep, poor mood, lack of motivation, and low level of energy. Feelings of anxiety or mild depression are contributors to iron deficiency.
Prevent eye ailments
Beta carotene in the form of Vitamin A helps to prevent macular degeneration which is one of the causes of age-related blindness. 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.
The study also shows that eye drops with Vitamin A help to treat dry eyes effectively. An altered form of Vitamin A helps to slow down the growth of Stargardt’s disease which causes vision loss in young people.
Treat osteoporosis
Magnesium is required for the formation of bones, impact osteoblast activities as well as osteoclasts which help to build the density of bones.
Magnesium helps to maintain the balance of vitamin D in the blood which manages bone homeostasis. The high intake of magnesium helps to increase the mineral density of bones. The high intake of magnesium prevents osteoporosis and magnesium deficiency.
Anti-oxidant activities
Manganese is vital for enzymes such a glutamine synthetase, arginase, and manganese superoxide which acts as an antioxidant, reduce oxidative stress as well as inflammation which can lead to cancer or heart disease. The deficiency of manganese helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and stress which can cause various chronic ailments. 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.
Manganese also assists in bone formation including xylosyltransferases and glycosyltransferases. It also plays a vital role in converting the compounds into usable energy and nutrients in the body including amino acids and glucose.
Treats anemia
Iron and copper combine while synthesizing red blood cells and hemoglobin. The study shows that copper assists in the iron absorption from an intestinal tract release iron in the liver where it is stored.
Iron from supplements or food sources is used to form red blood cells. When there is a deficiency of copper, the level of iron also decreases which causes anemia that is caused due to the deficiency of iron. Anemia results in muscle aches, fatigue, impaired brain function, and digestive problems.
Prevent heart ailments
Vitamin B6 helps to regulate the homocysteine levels in the blood. It is an amino acid that is obtained from the consumption of protein foods such as meat. The presence of high homocysteine levels in the blood develops heart disease, inflammation, and blood vessel disease that leads to a heart attack.
The intake of Vitamin B6 helps to reduce the homocysteine levels in the body and also recovers the blood vessel damage. Vitamin B6 helps to manage cholesterol and blood pressure levels which are the two main causes of heart disease.
Detoxify the body
Kidneys play a vital role in the body. It eliminates the excess organic molecules present in the blood. Phosphorus is essential for the functioning of kidneys and also detoxifies the body by removing the waste and toxins through urination. 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.
Kidney health
The high intake of potassium helps to reduce the chances of kidney stones. The low level of potassium increases the chances of kidney stones because more amount of calcium is excreted through urine which must get passed through the kidneys. Kidney stones are deposits of calcium so the reduction of calcium in urine helps to counteract painful kidney ailments.
Assist digestion
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. It enhances digestion as the soluble fiber absorbs the water to evolve into vicious, glutinous substances and fermented by bacteria in the digestive tract. Intake of an adequate amount of water is essential for the fiber to provide these effects.
Health Benefits of Yellow Dock
Many types of research have been conducted to gain how beneficial yellow dock is for our life. Here are the important health benefits of the yellow dock that are issued after long studies:
1. Presenting Antioxidant Action
Based on modern herbal studies, most phytonutrients contain high levels of antioxidants and so does yellow dock contain. Antioxidants are very crucial in retarding oxidative damage, known as a process happening at the level of cellular and it can be considered as good cells within your body that is attacked by numerous bad cells or free radicals. This attack will result in aging and cellular damage whereas antioxidants fight against those harmful free radicals.
Evaluations of yellow dock’s antioxidant potential have confirmed its benefit to throw away oxidative stress. The study conducted by the Department of Chemistry at Jamia Hamdard, India finds that the plant has effective antioxidant activity that works to scavenge oxidative damage and free radicals, including within liver tissue.
2. Helping the Digestion Process
From the study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical center, it is found that yellow dock has potential in the human digestion process so it will make the stomach easier to function. Also, the plant can give you the aid when it comes to heartburn. It is considered a bitter herb stimulating digestion. It improves the function of digestion by improving the digestive enzymes and stomach acid. It also helps the liver and the gallbladder. With lower contents of anthraquinone, it is useful to trigger various enzymes and the bile issues to throw away constipation and digestive disorder.
Yellow dock has been labeled as a bitter herb because it contains tannins and it is like many other bitters that make nutrient absorption and digestion more efficient. The bitter taste also controls blood sugar within your body by lowering sugar appetite while increasing fullness feeling at the same time. To get this health benefit, you can serve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of it three times a day. Optionally, you can add it to tea to drink three times a day before having meals.
3. Detoxifying Our Vital Organs
The next health benefit of yellow dock is helping to detoxify your body. The cleansing power in the plant can help you with numerous functions. It functions as a lymph and blood cleanser, helping to improve the action of lymph glands within the body. It also repeals lingering waste within your intestinal tract. It works by making bowel movements easier as well as improving urination frequency that is beneficial in eliminating toxins. No wonder, such super herb is included as one of the traditional blood formulas in Jon Barron’s Blood Support formula.
The liver is considered the hardest working organ where one of its functions is to detoxify toxins. To support the liver’s work, you need to consume bitters that you can get from the yellow dock. It will stimulate the detoxification process in the liver and boost the production of bile if you consume it regularly. Adding detox-assisting herbs such as yellow dock can help the liver function in throwing out toxins, excess hormones, and waste products.
4. Acting as Skin Care
Our body always produces hormones but excessive ones can cause skin issues. If you experience such a skin disorder you can take yellow dock for the medication. Some skin problems like acne, age spots, psoriasis, eczema rashes can be overcome by consuming the herb. The health benefit of yellow dock is really effective, especially to treat acne. It can be applied to your face in every rise of acne. Besides, the herbal treatment puts out a nice smell during the application on the face. The bitter components within the root are beneficial to balance the hormones by supporting to eliminate the excessive estrogen during the menstrual and luteal phases. Since many skin disorders originate from the slow detox of waste products and hormones, consuming the yellow dock’s root can also generate clear skin.
5. Treating Constipation
If you have constipation, then you have to believe in the health benefits of yellow dock. It is because of the low-level laxative effects that exist in the herb. There are anthraquinone glycosides in the root which can stimulate the intestine peristalsis that increase the time for bowel transit. Commonly, people prefer using harsh medicine to heal constipation. However, strong laxatives can cause dependency while causing damage to the intestines. With smaller contents of peristalsis, yellow dock can be consumed for a longer time. Also, the herb is gentler in the use, yet still works effectively in the digestion time.
6. Containing High Minerals
Large amounts of minerals are accumulated within the Yellow dock. These beneficial minerals that are taken from the soil are passed into the body of yellow dock consumers. Considering the custom of minerals within our country, especially with the use of the modern farming method, it impacts the nutritive aspects that make the yellow dock plant your herbal choice. It contains high amounts of iron and it is claimed as a worthy herbal companion throughout pregnancy and menstruation. Such earth-wise herbal can increase iron status whenever you need it.
7. Helping Anemia
Anemia is a condition when your blood gets extreme weakness and tiredness. It can be healed by using a mix of dandelion root, burdock, and alfalfa. Fortunately, all of them exist in a wonderful herb, which is the yellow dock. Also, the effectiveness has been experienced by people from the previous generation to the recent generation. This traditional healer plant has also been researched many times. As the result, in the plant, especially the root, there are properties to cleanse and fortify the blood. Also, this herb is claimed to strengthen our bodies. To treat your anemia, you just need to simmer the roots in your tea. It takes only 20 minutes till it is ready to drink. Moreover, it is recommended to take one tablespoon for a cup of water to make the beverage.
8. Fighting against Dangerous Organisms
As we know, antioxidants deliver many advantages for our bodies. Based on some studies, yellow dock contains high amounts of antioxidants which act as our body defenders. When there is an attack from harmful organisms, additional antioxidant intake is needed to fight those attackers. By consuming the yellow dock regularly, your body will get extra helps for your body’s defense. Meanwhile, consuming it can also support the development of a healthy microbiome. The inline in the herb functions as a prebiotic that feeds such beneficial bacteria that is good four our health.
9. Curing the Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the common disorders that happen in our bowels. It can be minimized by drinking a beverage that is mixed with a yellow dock. Based on research, the plant is beneficial for pushing the body to balance during diarrhea and constipation. The herbal intake is effective to heal diarrhea because it contains tannins functioning as astringent to dry, heal, and tone tissues. Such quality is needed during diarrhea treatment.
10. Providing Anti-Diabetic Intake
Most health benefits of Yellow dock are gained from inside the body, especially when it is taken for diabetic patients. There are methanol extracts that are beneficial for healthy DNA and more other protections for the inner parts of the body. This amazing plant also functions to prevent the scavenging of free radicals and inhibit production enzymes producing glucose. No wonder, yellow dock has been chosen as anti-diabetic intake, especially for diabetic patients. Furthermore, some other studies claimed that yellow dock is a good anticancer and can protect the protein and DNA.
11. Treating Menstrual Pain and Other Health Problems of Women
Yellow dock is closely related to relieving pain during women’s periods. A study has reported that one of the health benefits of yellow dock is to process excessive hormones. It is considered effective menopausal formulas with effective pain reduction. For women that suffer from their PMS or some other disorders during menstruation, yellow dock can be included in their daily herbal beverage to relieve the pain. Besides, yellow dock is also useful as an herbal remedy for some other women’s health disorders like heavy bleeding, irregular menstruation, and uterine fibroids.
12. Treating Sore Throat
Sore throat is a health problem occurring on your throat due to a viral infection, allergies, or stomach acid. However, not all people know that yellow dock is included as one of the best herbal medicines for sore throat. It contains metal elements that can decrease the pain in your sore and guts. Furthermore, it is not only good for treating sore throat but also bronchitis, coughs, and laryngitis.
13. Treating Arthritis and Rheumatism
Arthritis and Rheumatism actually refer to the same disease with the same symptoms, like inflammation and joint pain. To treat this disease, herbalism needs to consider a safe and effective medicinal source like a yellow dock. This magical herb can heal various diseases, including arthritis and rheumatism. Making it a tea beverage can be an optional way to grab the benefits through your daily diet. As a result of your regular consumption, arthritis and rheumatism you have will be reduced due to their anti-inflammatory components.
14. Treating Liver Disease
Liver disease is a kind of disease that needs serious treatment from us. Fortunately, there is the health benefit of the yellow dock that is associated with liver disease. Two parts of the yellow dock, the leaves and root can handle such a problem of the liver. It functions as alternative medicine that can be drunk as tea for patients that suffer from the disease. Relating to the benefit, there have been some studies that proved such herbal effectiveness to liver disorder patients. Although it doesn’t guarantee a total cure the herbal drink can be your alternative to treat the liver greatly.
15. Treating Fever
When your body’s temperature is over 37 degrees Celsius, you are having a fever. You don’t have to panic about it because there is an effective fever reducer that comes from the yellow dock. Yellow dock is rich in vitamin A, phosphorus, and manganese that have been known as the effective herbal medicine for fever. Also, it can gain your appetite that loses during fever. For prevention, you can include it in your daily drink.
Traditional uses
Dock leaves are used as an aid for the nettles sting in Western Europe.
The roots and leaves are used in traditional Austrian medicine internally to treat viral infections.
The milk in the dock leaf contains tannins as well as oxalic acid which are considered astringent.
The leaves are also used to soothe blisters, burns, and nettle stings.
The tea which is prepared from the root is used to cure boils.
Precautions
Plants can contain a high amount of oxalic acid, so it should not be consumed in large quantities because the nutrients could be lock-up and cause mineral deficiencies.
People with rheumatism, gout, arthritis, hyperacidity, or kidney stones should be careful to include this plant in the diet because it can worsen the existing condition.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this plant.
How to Eat
It could be dried to use later.
The leaves are cooked as a potherb, added to salads.
The stems and seeds could be consumed either raw or cooked.
Seeds are used as piñole, grounded into a powder, and used to make pancakes as flour.
The seed is roasted or a perfect substitute for coffee.
The leaves during young are consumed as greens.
Other Facts
The leaves become bitter early and contain a laxative effect.
The leaves help to soothe blisters, burns, and nettle stings.
It was known as butter dock during old times as the large leaves were used to wrap butter.
In North America, there are 25 species of Dock.
The leaves of Dock contain oxalic acid which is also found in spinach as well as beets.
When the leaves grow older, it possesses a sour taste.
It is widely cultivated in the Southwestern United States as a great source of tannin.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Yellow dock is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when consumed in amounts found in food. Taking too much yellow dock can cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, excessive urination, skin irritation, and low blood levels of potassium and calcium.
Raw or uncooked yellow dock is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, breathing difficulty, and even death.
When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if the yellow dock is safe or what the side effects might be. Handling raw yellow dock can cause skin irritation in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking yellow dock by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It has laxative effects, which are not desirable during pregnancy. Also, the chemicals that cause the laxative effects can be transferred to a nursing infant through breast milk.
Blood clotting problems: Yellow dock may speed up clotting. If you have a clotting disorder, get your healthcare provider’s advice before starting yellow dock.
Allergies: People who are allergic to ragweed may also be allergic to yellow dock.
Gastrointestinal (GI) blockage: Don’t use yellow dock if you have any kind of blockage in your digestive tract
Stomach or intestinal ulcers: Don’t use yellow dock if you have ulcers. Yellow dock can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine, making ulcer symptoms worse.
Kidney disease: Yellow dock contains a chemical that can bind with calcium and form crystals that can damage the kidneys. If you have kidney stones or have ever had kidney stones, get your healthcare provider’s advice before starting yellow dock.
