Description
Medicinal Parts
The medicinal parts are the dried roots.
Flower and Fruit
The inflorescence is a large, dense panicle. The pedicles are filiform and up to 2.5 times as long as the capsules. The capsules are 6 to 8 mm long, ovate-triangular, fairly acute, elongated, and entire-margined.
Leaves, Stem, and Root
The herb is perennial and has an erect 100 to 200 cm high stem. The leaves are 7.5 to 10 cm wide with curly margins. The basal leaves are triangular, acute, deeply cordate at the base, and 1.5 to 2.5 times as long as they are wide. The petiole is at least as long as the leaf blade. The rhizome is dark brown to blackish on the outside and porous.
Habitat
The plant is common in Europe.
Production
The root material is sliced and then dried in the shade.
Actions & Pharmacology
Compounds
Oxalates: oxalic acid, calcium oxalate
Tannins
Anthracene derivatives: including anthranoids
Effects
The active agents are quercitrin, protein, fat, starch, essential oil and tannin. The herb acts as an aid to digestion.
Indications & Usage
Unproven Uses
Water Dock is used for blood purification and constipation.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
Overdosage
Oxalate poisonings are conceivable, but only with the consumption of very large quantities of the leaves.
Dosage
Mode of Administration
The drug is used internally and externally as a liquid extract or as a powder. Use of the herb went out of favor during the 18th century.
