Words On Wellness: Deep Rusty Red

By Karin Uphoff

Deep rusty-red dried flowers of sheep sorrel and curly dock stand out in dry grassy fields and the lingering greenery of road-edge, as the growing season comes to an end. They are part of the hardy buckwheat family and cousins of coast buckwheat (Eriogonum lattifolium) whose rosy pom-pom flowers have turned henna on the headlands. The roots, stocks and leaves of this velvety seaside plant were used by Native Americans for coughs, colds, tuberculosis, menstrual disorders, stomach pains and headaches. The whole plant was often included in steams and sweat lodges to ease the pain of achy joints. Various species of Eriogonum have been used as food, medicine and in ceremony by indigenous peoples worldwide.

     Sheep sorrel, curly dock and broad bitter dock are all part of the Rumex genus of the greater buckwheat family. They are characteristically sour and astringent and considered blood cleansers. Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) was introduced from Europe and now widespread here. Native Americans were quick to adopt this plant in their pharmacopeia for external use (warts, bruises and sores) and internal application as a cooling, diuretic liver cleanser. It is a main ingredient in the famous Essiac blood-cleansing formula for alternative cancer treatment because of its anti-oxidant and anti-mutagenic properties.

     I’m fond of the tall, rust-stalked curly dock, commonly called yellow dock (Rumex crispus) for its yellow taproot. Roots are dug up in fall and simmered for teas or tinctured for treating skin conditions, enlarged lymph glands, liver and gallbladder ailments, indigestion, constipation and anemia. For anemia one can cook it up with nettle and molasses and create a blood-building syrup. The root can also be used in salves to address eczema, mouth sores, chafed skin, itching, athlete’s foot and bruises. These plants of the Rumex genus have a sour-spinach taste because they contain oxalic acid, which is most prominent in broad bitter dock (Rumex obtussifolius) which hybridizes with yellow dock and can be used interchangeably. Its large leaves are suitable for poultices applied to skin swellings and eruptions, plus can be juiced or boiled as a vegetable in moderate amounts to cleanse ‘bad blood’ typically caused by lymphatic stagnation. Because Rumex spp. contain oxalic acid, those who are prone to oxalate kidney stones should avoid ingesting these herbs. We are fortunate to have such freely growing health aides in our world.