Yellow Dock (Rumex Crispus)

by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP – Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.com

 

Docks: Broad Leaf & Curly

Dock Plants can have up to 80,000 seeds that have been found to be viable for 80 years

Broad Leaf  Dock

Broad Leaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius) & Yellow Dock (Curly Dock)  (Rumex crispus)

Curly (Yellow Dock) is the dock variety used more in making remedies however, both are edible.  Dock leaves are used in salads and cooked like spinach.

Yellow Dock is associated with the Sacral Chakra

Dock is a great herb for transition and transformation! Physically it supports cleansing that can reflect cutting ties to what binds one and stops them from moving on. Emotionally it can help release anxiety and pain from the past.  It supports clearing the boundaries between inner and outer space and supports moving into a new phase in life.

It has been used:

  • as a spring tonic
  • to help increase the intestines absorption of minerals
  • invigorate the colon
  • appetite enhancer
  • in remedies for:
    • herpes,
    • syphilis,
    • vaginitis,
    • ovarian cysts and fibroids,
    • tumors,
    • boils,
    • acne,
    • thrush,
    • ulcers,
    • dysentery,
    • hemorrhoids,
    • urinary tract infections,
    • kidney and gallstones,
    • acidosis,
    • worms
    • adjunctive support for diabetics
    • Crohn’s disease,
    • food allergies,
    • gout,
    • certain skin diseases,
    • congestive dysmennorhea,
    • jaundice
    • chronic constipation
    • regulate menstrual bleeding
  • in  Magic for:
    • new business ventures
    • drawing in business success &  financial abundance
    • drawing in personal love

Leaves

The leaves are known to be high in beta-carotene, vitamin C  and contain chlorophyll, vitamins A and  oxalic acid and the best time to pick them is when they are just unfurling.

Roots

Most commonly used portion of Dock for medicinal remedies.  The roots contain tannins, chrysophanic acid, rumicin and minerals.  The roots can be harvested in the fall with a stick  which is sometimes a better tool to get the long tap root.  Once taking off the outer layer of the root it is bright yellow and cutting into the root you will see that it has growth rings.

Dye

Yellow Dock got it’s name from these yellow roots that fade as they dry.  Fresh roots make yellow die.

Seeds

The seeds are a rich source of calcium, riboflavin and fiber while low in protein and fat and can help the body absorb Vitamin C.  They can be eaten raw or cooked once they are brown.  They turn brown late August into September. When you collect the seeds, remove all leaves and stems grind them or store them whole. You can grind the seeds in a blender, with a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder. Once ground store in an air-tight jar. Whole seeds can be stored in a paper bag.

 

Magic & Folklore

Dock imparts courage, strength and opens one to  magical will.  It is considered a lucky plant and is used for new business ventures and  to increase success, finances and finding love.


Leaf Recipes

I pick the leaves on occasion to use medicinally to flavor a picture of the days drinking water, to infuse in olive oil for salves and creams and to infuse in alcohol for tinctures.  I add fresh leaves to salads, sauté in olive oil and garlic and add to; egg dishes, stir fries, sauce for pasta and bean dishes.

Be Aware:  The leaves contain oxalic acid as does other foods such as spinach.  In small quantities they can be eaten raw however eating large quantities means that the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be greatly reduced if the plant is cooked. If you have any medical conditions, consult a health professional before you eat the leaves.


Root Recipes

Dock Tea – Blood Builder & Mild Laxative

  • quart of water
  • one cup of fresh or dried Yellow Dock Roots
  • Honey or Stevia as sweeten

Boil one quart of water, reduce the heat and add  one cup of fresh or dried yellow Dock Root and cover.  Simmer for 12 minutes, uncover and simmer for another 90 minutes.    Add honey or stevia as a sweetener and drink up to four cups a day.

*When liquid is cooled, may be used as a wash for skin conditions.

Dock Vinegar Infusion – Blood Builder & Digestive Aid

  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Fresh or Dried yellow Dock Roots

The amount will depend upon the size of  jar you use.  Once you have filled the jar 2/4 full with Yellow Dock Root cover with vinegar and add a slight bit more.

  1. Cover Roots with (apple cider) vinegar  and close container.
  2. Let sit for for six weeks shaking  daily.
  3. Strain after six weeks and pour into clean container.

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons a day (use at meals with oil for salad dressing!)

Dock Syrup

  • 1/2 pound of Yellow Dock Root
  • Pint of Water
  • 1/2 cup Dark Honey
  • 1/2 Cup Blackstrap Molasses
  • 1 Tsp Pure Maple Syrup

Boil half pound of dock root in a pint of water. Leave it until the liquid that remains is only a cupful. Filter the liquid and add half a cup dark honey, half a cup blackstrap molasses and one teaspoon of pure maple syrup.  Add a pinch of vanilla to it for essence.

Blend everything by hand till you produce a smooth thick sweet sticky liquid or syrup.

  • Take one teaspoon at a time to heal bronchitis, asthma as well as cease tickling or scratching commotion in the throat or the lungs,
  • Take one tablespoon a day to increase iron in the blood!

Seed Recipes

Flour

  • Grind dock seeds find and use as flour

 

Coffee Substitute

  • Grind dock seeds and use as coffee substitute

 

Crackers

  • Ingredients
    • 1 cup ground (flour) dock seed
    • 1 cup flour of your choice
    • 1 tsp. sea salt
    • Water
  • Instructions
    • Mix brown crushed dock seed, flour and salt.  Add water slowly until the dough is pliable (not sticky). On a well-floured surface roll dough thinly. Cut into shapes. Then transfer them onto a well-greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes at 375°F or until crisp.

Folk Lore & Magic Recipes

Dock Tea for Drawing in Wealth & New Business

Make a tea from Dock and wash door knobs, telephones and cash registers in your business to draw in  wealth and new business.

Dock Tea for Drawing in Love

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Make a tea from Dock and splash on your hands and face prior to seeing your love interest.


Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.


Copyright 2014 – 2020  Living in Nature’s Love by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP,
Feldenkrais® Practitioner since 2007, Communication & Empathy Coach since 2004, Art of Placement  since 2000
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Black Medic (Medicago lupulin)

by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP – Living in Natures Love Lifestyles @insideawareness.com

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Also known as:  Hop Clover, Yellow Trefoil or Burclover

  • Uses:  edible, medicinal, natural fertilizer
  • Parts used: leaves, roots & seeds
  • Preparation: fresh as pot herb, dry the seeds

Health & Wellness

Black Medic was introduced from Europe.  It is an edible and a medicinal weed often mistaken for clover.

It is green manure grown before the first crop is planted to add nitrogen to the soil.  It is a beneficial plant in the garden as it fertilizes nearby plants with nitrogen.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. They contain about 6% protein, 0.14% fat, 9.5% carbohydrate and 1.4% ash.

The seeds can be eaten raw, dried or roasted and ground into flour when they turn black..

Black Medic has laxative qualities and has antibacterial properties against microorganisms.

Since adding Black Medic to Edible Plant List I have learned that it is not a good plant for those on blood thinners nor is it a good plant for seniors as it thickens blood.  Now I probably won’t grow this as an edible but keep it to enrich the soil in my garden.  I also find it attractive growing among the flowers.

Read More on Edible, Medicinal, Dye Plants


Traditional uses and properties of herbs are for educational purposes only.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Any serious health concerns or if you are pregnant, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.


Copyright 2014 – 2020  Living in Nature’s Love by Renee Lindstrom, GCFP,
Feldenkrais® Practitioner since 2007, Communication & Empathy Coach since 2004, Art of Placement  since 2000