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
vitamin C, as well as a source of
iron and
potassium. Curly 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. In Armenia the young plants are harvested and dried and to make a product called Aveluk (ավելուկ). During drying fermentation takes place to make it less bitter. The dried plants are braided into rings and sold. Aveluk is used extensively in Armenian cookery as the basis of salads and soups for which it is reconstituted by boiling in water. The seeds of the yellow dock, once dried thoroughly, are edible as well. The dark-brown to black seed
pods remain on the stalk until the spring when leaves start growing again. While many wild foraged grains must be
winnowed, the pods of
Rumex crispus are small enough that it is more efficient to grind them with the grain. The resulting flour 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. Some studies show that certain
anthroquinones can help stop or slow cancer growth, but this may or may not apply to the ones in yellow dock. Yellow 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. == References ==