Dock

The Dock in our Traditional Garden appears to be Rumex stenophyllus (narrow-leaved field dock), which is an introduced species (Lee, n.d.).  Native species of this plant are Rumex maritimus (golden dock), Rumex salicifolius (Narrow-Leaved Dock), and Rumex venosus (Sand Dock) which are shorter and have many branches instead of just the one stalk.

The carrot-shaped root is used for the chest, asthma, bronchitis, and for sore throats.  It's also helpful for the liver, swollen lymph nodes, jaundice, for a blood cleanser, and for menstrual cramps.  (Gray, p. 88)

You can use the root powder and leaves to treat pimples, eczema, boils, rashes, sores, warts, and ringworm because it stimulates the flow of blood to the skin.  (Gray, p. 89) The root also can help treat jaundice.  (Keane, p. 37)

The root can be boild to make a mouthwash that heals gums and throat inflammations.  (Gray, p. 89)

 

You can fry up the young leaves and eat them like spinach.  The greens are a source of Vitamin C, protien, calcium, iron, and potassium.  Only use the young leaves because eating too much can irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.  (Gray, p. 90)  Older leaves contain oxalic acid which can be toxic in large quantities (Keane, p. 36-37).

The root is a source of Vitamins A and C, as well as niacin, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and iron.  (Gray, p. 89)

You can eat the seeds or use them in recipes (Gray, p. 89).