Rumex obtusifolius

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Broadleaf Dock

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Polygonaceae
Genus:	Rumex
Species:	R. obtusifolius

Binomial name

Rumex obtusifolius
L.

The broadleaf dock, or butter dock, is a perennial weed, native to Europe but can now be found in the United States and many other countries around the world.

1 Identification
2 Medicinal uses of the herb
3 Eradication
4 External links
5 Headline text

[edit] Identification

Rumex obtusifolius is easily recognizable by its very large leaves, some of the lower leaves having red stems. The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy. The foliage of the plant can grow to about 18 inches in height. The stems have nodes covered by an ocrea, a thin, paper-like membrane - a characteristic of the Polygonaceae family.

Large clusters of racimes contain green flowers that change to red as they mature. They are held on a single stalk that grows above the leaves and blooms June through September. The seeds produced are reddish-brown.

Seedlings can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant.

Rumex crispus - curly dock - is very similar in appearance but with thinner and wavier leaves. In more detail, the calyx of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broadleaf dock has horned margins.

[edit] Medicinal uses of the herb

The leaves have always been used to relieve the pain of nettle stings. It's still common knowledge in Ireland. A dock leaf is rubbed on the painful skin - and it works instantly ("Dock in, nettle out"). Irish nettle stings tend to be far more painful than continental ones, anyway. Dock roots have been used in Irish folk medicine against menopausal symptoms. It's time to rediscover its properties. A tea prepared from the fresh root (5-7cm) cut up into tiny slices is a powerful remedy against hot flushes, dryness of the vagina, weakness, irritability and other problems of the menopause - the best alternative to hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). The tea helps people who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) to detox from a chemical loading, relieves depression, even suicidal depression, if it is caused by organophosphates (e.g parathion)and other chemicals (e.g.hexachlorobenzene). Hot flushes in pre-menopausal women that are caused by oestrogen-mimicking chemicals can be treated with dock roots. The tea is also effective in cases of diarrhea caused by bacterial contamination in tap water. Dock root has a pronounced detoxing effect on the liver and it cleanses the skin. (The German name "Grindampfer" refers to its uses to treat a skin disease.) A tiny amount of grated root sprinkled on food has a beautifying and rejuvinating effect as it makes your grey hair get their natural colour again, makes your hair and fingernails grow stronger. Dock very high in minerals, especially copper and iron. The taste of the tea and grated root is very bitter - a good way to prevent you from taking too much. Higher amounts cause nausea, even vomitting. Rumex crispus, curly dock, is used in herbal medicine and homeopathy, has similar properties but is weaker - yet still a good alternative if broadleaved dock is not available.

[edit] Eradication

Broadleaf dock is considered a weed and is slightly poisonous. Livestock have been known to get sick after feeding on it. But eradicating the plants is difficult. The perennial plant can have a deep taproot reaching 5 feet down. Also, the milk of the plant has been known to cause mild dermatitis.

Seeds have toothed wing structures, allowing them to be dispersed by wind or water, and also allow them to attach to animals or machinery to be spread great distances. They can lie dormant for years before germination, making vigilant pulling or tilling essential.

First year plants can seed, making early detection important for eradication.

The main weaknesses of Rumex cripus are its poor competition, crowding causes flowering to be delayed for up to three years, and its susceptibility to disturbance. Frequent tilling will disrupt roots and kill seedlings and even older plants. The plant also thrives in moist environments and improved drainage can also help control its growth.