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 | Dock Other Names:
Botanical Name: N.O. Polygonaceae
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Description: |
The name Dock is applied to a widespread tribe of broad-leaved wayside weeds, having roots possessing astringent qualities united in some with a cathartic principle, rendering them valuable as substitutes for Rhubarb, a plant of the same family.
Although now, in common with the Sorrels, assigned to the genus Rumex, the Docks were formerly ranked as members of the genus Lapathum, this name being derived from the Greek word, lapazein (to cleanse), an allusion to the medicinal virtues of these plants as purgatives, the word still surviving in the name of one of the species, Rumex Hydrolapathum.
All the Docks resemble our Garden Rhubarb more or less, both in their general characteristics and in possessing much tannin.Most of them furnish rumicin, or crysophanic acid, which is useful in chronic scrofulous disorders.
The young leaves and shoots of several species of Dock may be eaten as pot-herbs, but are not very palatable, and have a slight laxative effect. 'Sour Docks' were considered formerly a good accompaniment to boiled beef, either hot or cold, but this was a popular name, not for the ordinary kinds of Docks, but for the closely allied Sorrel or Sorrel Dock (Rumex acetosa), whose herbage has a somewhat acid flavour. This, with its French variety, R. scutatus, has been much cultivated as a pot-herb.
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Ancient Lore: |
DOCK (Common) RUMEX OBTUSIFOLIUS
All docks being boiled with meat, make it boil the sooner. This is the Round-leaved or Common Wayside Dock which produces large spreading leaves about a foot (30 cm) long, the whole plant reaching two or three feet (6 i or 90 cm) in height. Also called the Broad-leaved Dock.
Where to find it: A common weed, but it likes rich soil. It grows at the roadside, by hedges, in fields and on waste land.
Flowering time: From late spring to mid autumn.
Astrology: All Docks are under Jupiter.
Medicinal virtues: The Red Dock, also known as Bloodwort, cleanseth the blood and strengthens the liver, but the Yellow Dock root is best used when either the blood or liver is affected by choler. All the docks have a cooling, drying quality, Sorrel being most cold and the Bloodworts most drying. The Burdock has been dealt with already. The seed of the Dock doth stay laxes and fluxes of all sorts, and is helpful for those that spit blood.
The roots boiled in vinegar helpeth the itch, scabs and breaking out of the skin, if it be bathed therewith. The distilled water of the herb and roots cleanseth the skin from freckles, rnorphews and other spots and discolourings.
Modern uses: It is the Yellow Dock or Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) that is used in modern practice. It is widely employed as a blood purifier, a gentle laxative and as a tonic. All parts of the plant are used - root, leaves, seeds or the whole herb. It has many uses, but is mainly used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. It does, indeed, improve the quality of the blood, because it acts as an iron carrier.
An infusion of the dried powdered root is the best way to secure its properties as these are fully soluble in water. Use 1 oz (28 g) to 1 pt (568 ml) of boiling water and administer in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml). A syrup can he made by using about 8 oz (227 g) of the crushed root to 1 Pint (568 ml) of boiling water to which sugar or honey is added to thicken it. The medicine is also valuable in the treatment of rheumatism and gout. A fluid extract is available from herbalists. |
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