Description: Broadleaf Dock Rumex obtusifolius Grown on Ophidian Farms - always organic! Broadleaf Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), also called bitter dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf or butter dock, offers an abundance of food and medicine! The leaves can be to salads, the seeds can be added to vinegar, and dig the root early in the spring or late in the fall to tincture for an amazing medicine. A dose of a dropperful of the tincture (or a teaspoon of a vinegar of the roots), taken two or three times a day, is one of the best ways to increase the amount of iron in the blood. Broadleaf dock tincture is considered to be the very best agent for helping those who need an aid to maintain regularity. Since it is not a laxative, it’s safe to use daily, if you wish. Broadleaf Dock is considered to be medicinally interchangeable with Yellow Dock (Rumex cripsus) Botanical Names: Rumex obtusifolius Family: Polygonaceae Common Names: Broadleaf Dock, called bitter dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf, butter dock Life Cycle: Perennial Plant Type: Herbaceous Requirements: Broadleaf Dock grows in a wide variety of habitats, including disturbed soil, waste areas, roadsides, fields/meadows, shorelines, and forest edges. It is widely naturalized throughout the temperate world and has become a serious invasive species in many areas, including throughout North America, southern South America, New Zealand and parts of Australia. It is very cold hardy, and can be grown as an annual or a perennial. Seed germination: Broadleaf Dock requires natures natural seasonal cycles to germinate, so planting in Fall is best. This way the seeds will go through a long cold-moist period to break the seed dormancy. To simulate this out of season, place in the fridge in a decently moist (not soaking wet) medium like soil or sand for at least four weeks before setting out in warm weather to germinate. Once established, yellow dock likes moist garden soil like most other vegetables do. They are also excellent at busting through tough clay soils. They produce large tops and deep roots, like most Docks do. The common name “yellow dock” has been used to refer to three different medicinal plants that are used interchangeably. In medicinal herb books it primarily refers to curly dock (Rumex crispus), but it sometimes refers to bitter or broad-leaved dock (R. obtusifolius) and acute dock (R. x acutus). The latter was once thought to be a distinct species but is now recognized as a hybrid between the first two species that sometimes occurs where their ranges overlap. These species are all called yellow dock because of the yellowish color of their roots. Traditionally they were believed to have almost identical therapeutic actions, which is not surprising for plants that are so closely related that they can readily hybridize. However, curly dock is usually used more by herbalists. Medicinal Properties Broadleaf dock is most often used for its ability to facilitate detoxification. It aids with the removal of toxins from the tissues by supporting lymphatic and blood circulation, and ultimately with their removal from the body by supporting liver, colon and kidney function. As a result, dock is an excellent herb for treatment of all chronic inflammatory conditions that are at least partially related to tissue toxicity. These include acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, other forms of rheumatism, gout and fibromyalgia. In treatment of toxicity-related conditions it combines well with burdock root or herb (Arctium spp.), cleavers herb (Galium aparine), yellow bedstraw herb (Galium verum), elecampane root (Inula helenium), sweet clover herb (Melilotus spp.), dandelion root, leaf or flower (Taraxacum officinale), red clover flower (Trifolium pratense), stinging nettle herb or rhizome (Urtica dioica) and blue violet herb (Viola spp.). Broadleaf dock is also very effective for treatment of chronic constipation and to help support specific channels of elimination. It helps with poor lymphatic drainage, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the spleen, liver and gallbladder congestion, and for treatment of inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract, especially when they are due to high levels of toxicity in the urine. Broadleaf dock helps to improve digestion. It will also improve appetite for people who are convalescing and with anorexia. It helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract such as in gastritis, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, and will reduce diarrhea as well. Although Broadleaf dock has a mild influence on the respiratory system and some ability to reduce fever, it is rarely used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections except for the treatment of swollen lymphatic tissues such as in tonsillitis. It is also effective for treatment of mouth ulcers. Broadleaf dock has a history of being use to treat fibrocystic breasts and uterine fibroids. It can also be effective for the treatment of tumors. However, it has a more supportive role in the treatment of cancer. It is not one of the more potent anticancer herbs. Although Broadleaf dock root is relatively non-toxic, its use does have a couple of minor limitations. Firstly, it is a moderately astringent and should not be combined with other moderately to strongly astringent herbs. Secondly, Broadleaf dock contains oxalates. These constituents are mildly irritating to the urinary tract with long-term use and, if other predisposing factors are present, could contribute to development of urinary stones. As a result, this herb is best combined with other herbs at a proportion of 20-25% of the formulation. Although some authors recommend using Broadleaf dock root in pregnancy because it’s a good source of iron, it’s best not to use this herb in pregnancy or while nursing because these are not good times to be detoxifying. Yellow dock is also not recommended for anyone with a history of kidney stones or where there is any kind of bowel obstruction. In Western herbalism, the root is often used for treating anemia, due to its high level of iron. It can be powdered and given in capsules, often in combination with stinging nettle – Urtica dioica. This is a classic combination with the plant. Both the leaves and root may be laxative in some individuals, though not in all, and generally it is mild. This is due to the presence of anthroquinone glycosides, and is not an action that should be relied upon, but seen as a possible effect of the plant when taken. The plant may also cause intestinal discomfort to some people. The plant will help with skin conditions if taken internally or applied externally to things like itching, scrofula, and sores.[citation needed] Some studies show that certain anthroquinones can help stop or slow cancer growth, but this may or may not apply to the ones in Broadleaf dock. Broadleaf dock is part of the homeopathic pharmacopoeia. It is used mainly for respiratory conditions, specifically those with a tickling cough that is worse when exposed to cold air. It mentions also passing pains, excessive itching, and that it helps enlarged lymphs. The Zuni people apply a poultice of the powdered root to sores, rashes and skin infections, and use infusion of the root for athlete's foot. Use as an ally when the immune system or the liver needs help. A dose is 15-25 drops (.5-1 ml). I also harvest the leaves and/or seeds throughout the growing season and make a medicinal vinegar, taken a tablespoon at a time, which is used to increase blood-levels of iron, reduce menstrual flooding and cramping, and balance hormone levels. If the chopped roots are soaked in oil for six weeks, the resulting ointment is beneficial for keeping the breasts healthy. Other Uses It can be used as a wild leaf vegetable; the young leaves should be boiled in several changes of water to remove as much of the oxalic acid in the leaves as possible or can be added directly to salads in moderate amounts. Once the plant matures it becomes too bitter to consume. Dock leaves are an excellent source of both vitamin A and protein, and are rich in iron and potassium. Broadleaf Dock leaves are somewhat tart due to the presence of high levels of oxalic acid, and although quite palatable, this plant should only be consumed in moderation as it can irritate the urinary tract and increase the risk of developing kidney stones. It should be used with care during lactation, as it may cause a laxative effect in the infant. Approximately 400 seeds / gram Auction is for 1 packet = 1 gram = around 400 seeds Germination rate = 83 % Harvested fresh in summer of 2023, for sale through 2024! Tracking Number included in price! Any information in this listing is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment.
Price: 5.95 USD
Location: Solsberry, Indiana
End Time: 2024-11-17T13:04:50.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Ophidian Farms
Type: Herb Seeds
Genus: Rumex
Common Name: Broadleaf Dock