Yellow Dock/Curly Dock Information

This herbaceous, narrow leafed perennial grows to 5 feet tall in the summer. Two features make this plant distinguishable from others: the leaves have a twisted curl to them and there is a paper sheath surrounding the flower stalk. It also has a long yellowish taproot. The young basal leaves arrive in the spring and are more palatable (rinse them first due to chrysophanic acid that will irritate the mouth) than latter in the summer. The leaves, like dandelion are a bitter that stimulates bile secretion. They can be used any way one uses spinach. The pealed flower stalks in summer can be used like celery or steamed like asparagus.
Nutrition- Curly dock leaves are rich in protein, iron, calcium, potassium,. Beta Carotene, phosphorus and vitamin C.
Medicinal- Curly dock root has been used internally as a blood tonic (purifier), detoxifier, for skin conditions, glandular inflammation and swelling. Like other bitters, it is useful in bile production to improve the overall digestive system including stomach, liver, gall bladder, urinary tract and bowels. Externally yellow dock can be crushed and applied to open wounds as an astringent and coagulant.

Thank you to Joanna CastroShaffer for gathering and sharing this information with us!