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.
- Cover Roots with (apple cider) vinegar and close container.
- Let sit for for six weeks shaking daily.
- 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
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.
Living in Natures Love 