Western dock

Rumex occidentalis (syn. R. aquaticus var. fenestratus)

A large dock with broad leaves and a yellow root. The root contains tannins and anthraquinones, which are mildly laxative.

Safety notes

Contains oxalic acid: not with kidney stones, gout or in pregnancy. Do not take for long. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Kwakwaka'wakw medicine: Contains oxalic acid: not with kidney stones or gout.

Preparation

Wash four roots and boil them until they fall apart; eat with a spoon; the rest warm in a cloth as a compress.

Use in traditions

When a woman had long had stomach ache or a swelling in the throat, her husband dug four roots after a prayer to the plant. They were boiled until they fell apart; the woman ate them with a small spoon, with the juice. The rest was heated again, squeezed out in a cotton cloth and laid above the navel. For a swelling elsewhere on the body the roots were boiled together with those of skunk cabbage and laid in a cloth on the swelling. The leaves were also used in sweat baths for rheumatism, and leaves, stems and seeds are edible.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Kwakwaka'wakw medicine

Attributed effects

For long-lasting stomach ache and a swelling in the throat; with skunk cabbage for swellings.

Preparation and amount

Wash four roots and boil until they fall apart; eat with a small spoon, with the juice. Heat the rest again, squeeze it out in a cloth and lay it above the navel. For a swelling, boil with roots of skunk cabbage and apply in a cloth.

Caution: Contains oxalic acid: not with kidney stones or gout.

Ways to prepare herbs: Compress, poultice and paste

Sources

All herbs from North America →