Polygonaceae Alterative Red dock

Polygonaceae Alterative Red dock
Family:Polygonaceae Alterative; Astringent; Deobstruent; Detergent; Tonic.
Common name:Red dock
The root is alterative astringent cholagogue deobstruent depurative detergent laxative and mildly tonic. It can cause or relieve diarrhoea according to the dose harvest time and relative concentrations of tannin(astringent) and anthraquinones (laxative) that are present. It is used internally in the treatment of piles bleeding of the lungs various blood complaints and also chronic skin diseases. Externally it is applied to various skin diseases ulcers etc.The root has been used with positive effect to restrain the inroads made by cancer being used as an alterative and tonic. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use. Some caution is advised in its use since excess doses can cause gastric disturbance nausea and dermatitis.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:12 []