Mexican Dock

Rumex mexicanus

Physical Characteristics

Rumex mexicanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to Maine, Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[46, 61, 105, 161]. Used as greens[257]. Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used for making gruel or added to cereal flours and used for making bread[105, 161]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hepatic Infertility Poultice An infusion of the leaves has been taken by childless women to help them become pregnant[257]. A strong infusion of the root has been used to help a woman become pregnant[257]. The infusion was taken four times a day (upon rising, at midday, at sunset and upon going to bed) for a month[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of sore throats[257]. A decoction of the white root has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle[257]. There is a suggestion that it was used to facilitate an abortion. A decoction of the red root has been used to treat fevers[257]. A poultice of the crushed root has been used to treat burns[257]. A decoction of the plant has been used to treat intestinal disorders and liver complaints[257]. A decoction of the plant has been used externally to treat swellings and painful joints[257].

Known Hazards

Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].