Dock Knotweed: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Mostly disdained as a troublesome weed, dock knotweed offers a variety of uses as a medicinal plant. It can also be consumed as a wild vegetable. In naturopathy it is used for fever, inflammation of the skin and stomach and intestinal complaints. It is also recommended for spa treatments. It is worth highlighting its high content of vitamins and micronutrients, as well as fiber.

Occurrence and cultivation of dock knotweed.

Usually disdained as a troublesome weed, dock knotweed offers a variety of uses as a medicinal plant. It can also be consumed as a wild vegetable. The dock knotweed, also called field knotweed, bears the scientific name Polygonum lapathifolium or Persicaria lapathifolia. It belongs to the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). The plant is native to the whole of Central Europe, in the temperate climate zone. This herbaceous plant can be found up to an altitude of 1600 meters. Knotweed prefers a loamy, loose and nutrient-rich soil. It is a nitrogen indicator and thus often grows on over-fertilized agricultural land. In addition, the soil must have high moisture. As its name suggests, it is usually found on fields and meadow edges. It is also occasionally found in gardens and on riverbanks. The plant is a perennial and grows to a height of between 100 and 150 cm. Its form is very diverse, but always herbaceous. Mostly it grows upright and more or less branched. Its leaves, which grow in spring, are large and have the shape of a lancet or an egg. A central brownish spot on the leaf is characteristic of dock knotweed. In summer, it then forms a strongly branched and knotty flower stalk. Starting in July, this blooms green to pink and resembles an ear of corn. Several subspecies of dock knotweed are distinguished on the basis of leaf shape and hairiness, as well as the coloration of the flowers.

Effect and application

When using dock knotweed, numerous parts of the plant are used: Leaves, seeds, the plant sap as well as the dried roots. The choice of the appropriate plant component depends on the subspecies and the symptoms. It can be used both internally and externally. The most important properties of this herb are its astringent and antibacterial effects. As a result, it finds increased use in inflammation of the skin, such as acne and eczema. Also in fungal infections or arthritis dock is said to have a supporting effect. For this purpose, the dried roots are used, which are collected in autumn. The content of oxalic acid is increased in the leaves. Care should therefore be taken when using them. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with gout or kidney stones should refrain from using these ingredients. Homeopathy uses dock mainly for skin complaints and respiratory diseases, since dock is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect as well as an expectorant property. Furthermore, it is used to treat menstrual cramps and digestive problems. The plant components are either brewed as tea – for internal and external use -, prepared in tinctures or applied as compresses with crushed leaves. Ground seeds are also offered in tea form. However, its intake is recommended only in small quantities of less than 15 grams. This is because symptoms of poisoning can occur even with a medicinal plant. This is shown by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty swallowing. Combinations of different natural remedies are also popular. With dock knotweed is often combined with elderberry or cowslip. These compounds complement each other ideally in their anti-inflammatory effect. Another positive effect of dock is its blood purifying and detoxifying effect. Thus, it is also popular in the kitchen as a wild vegetable: in salads, in cooked form or ground into flour. The oxalic acid it contains has a laxative effect. The tannins contained can also alleviate diarrhea.

Health significance, treatment and prevention.

In addition to the already named ingredients oxalic acid and tannins, dock knotweed is rich in vitamin C, iron, flavoglycosides, tannic acid, hyperosides and potassium bioxalate. In addition, vitamins A and B6, calcium, potassium, magnesium, proteins and fiber in high concentration.Especially the combination of these various vitamins and micronutrients is the reason for the healing effect of the plant. The high iron content supports the formation of red blood cells. A good blood formation is the basis for a sufficient oxygen supply of the organs. Furthermore, potassium supports the function of the cardiovascular system. The knotweed also enjoys the reputation of helping against spring fatigue. Due to its draining properties and the high vitamin content, it gets the organism going again. The very high content of vitamin C ensures the functioning of the immune system. It stimulates the formation of white blood cells. An intact immune system effectively protects the organism from invading pathogens and generally provides more energy. Another extensive area of use is the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, dock knotweed supports healthy intestinal activity and has a calming effect on stomach upsets. Flatulence, constipation and diarrhea can be counteracted. Among other things, the high fiber content is responsible for this. These also have a beneficial effect on the cholesterol level in the blood and thus on the cardiovascular system. The dock can also be used externally to treat eczema, skin blemishes, insect bites and minor burns. Here its astringent and antibacterial properties are useful and support the skin in its healing process. In this case, compresses made of leaves are primarily used. Due to this wide range of applications, dock knotweed is also called a universal medicinal herb. However, allergy sufferers should be careful in its application, as dock plants have a moderately strong allergenic effect.