Curly dock
Curlydock is a plant whose leaf stalks are used as an ingredient in salads. The root of curly dock is used as a medicine.
Curly dock is used for pain and inflammatory swellings of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, as well as a laxative and tonic. It is also used to treat bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Some people use curly dock as a toothpaste. #Historically, curly dock has been used to treat skin diseases, inflammation of the skin, dermatitis, skin rashes, a vitamin C deficiency disease called scurvy, obstructive jaundice and psoriasis.
How does curly dock work?
Sorrel contains chemicals called anthraquinones, which act as a stimulant laxative.
How effective is curly dock?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of curly dock for constipation, inflammation of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, bacterial infections, jaundice and scurvy.
Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of curly dock in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Curlydock appears to be safe and harmless for most adults. Ingestion of excessive amounts may cause diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, excessive urination, skin irritation, and low blood levels of potassium and calcium.
Raw, uncooked curly dock should not be used as it can have serious side effects including vomiting, heart problems, difficulty breathing and even death. Even skin contact with curly dock can cause skin irritation in some people.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Curly dock should not be used during pregnancy. It has a laxative effect that may not be safe or safe for pregnant women. It is also best to avoid curly dock while breastfeeding, as the chemicals that have a laxative effect can be transferred to the baby through breast milk.
Allergies: People who are allergic to broom weed may also be allergic to curly dock.
Blood clotting problems: Curly dock could accelerate blood clotting. If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, you should consult your doctor before using curly dock.
Blockages of the digestive tract: You should not use curly dock if you suffer from any kind of blockage of the digestive tract.
Stomach or intestinal ulcers: You should not use curly dock if you suffer from ulcers in the digestive tract. Curly dock can irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines and aggravate the symptoms of stomach and intestinal ulcers.
Diseases of the kidneys: Sorrel contains a chemical that can bind calcium and form crystals that can damage the kidneys. If you suffer from kidney stones or have suffered from kidney stones in the past, you should ask your doctor for advice before using curly dock.
Interactions
Curly dock should not be used in combination with the following medications:
Diuretics
Curlydock is a laxative. Some laxatives can lower potassium levels in the body. Diuretics can also lower potassium levels, which means that combining curly dock with diuretics could lower potassium levels in the body too much.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of curly dock depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for curly dock. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.
References
- Johnston, B. Seventy-five Percent of Rural Mississippi Residents Report Use of Plant Remedies. HerbalGram 1995;(35):16-18.
- Reig, R., Sanz, P., Blanche, C., Fontarnau, R., Dominguez, A., and Corbella, J. Fatal poisoning by Rumex crispus (curled dock): pathological findings and application of scanning electron microscopy. Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 1990;32(5):468-470. view abstract.
- Weed, S. S. Wild Foods: The Missing Part of Your Diet May Be In Your Own Back Yard! Sentient Times: Alternatives for Personal & Community Transformation 1998;6(3):10-12.
- Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. View abstract.
- Shen HD, Chang LY, Gong YJ, et al. A monoclonal antibody against ragweed pollen cross-reacting with yellow dock pollen. Chung Hua Min Kuo Wei Sheng Wu Chi Mien I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1985;18:232-9.