A hardy plant with varied uses

Known and used in various ancient medicines, great dock is distinguished by the richness of its root in tannins and bitter compounds. It finds its place in herbal practices for decoctions or macerates intended to strengthen the internal or external balance of the body.

Description

Dried root, cut into irregular pieces, dark brown to reddish-brown in color, slightly earthy and bitter odor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Greater dock, Wild dock, Persian spinach
• Latin name: Rumex patientia
• Family: Polygonaceae
• Part used: Root
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: Eastern Europe, Asia Minor
• English name: Patience dock root
• German name: Patientenwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Raíz de acedera paciente
• Name in Italian: Radice di romice paziente
• Name in Arabic: جذر الحماض الصبر

Main virtues

Traditionally used to support natural digestion, accompany skin care and promote gentle drainage for external or internal use (reserved for certain traditions).

Main constituents

Tannins, anthraquinones, mucilages, oxalates, vitamins (especially C), minerals.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon of chopped root for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes, then let infuse for 5 minutes before filtering.
• Macerate: Roots infused in a gentle vegetable oil to create cosmetic skin comfort treatments.
• Ancient culinary use: Certain young parts were formerly eaten as vegetables (be careful, not recommended without current botanical expertise).

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not use for prolonged periods without medical advice due to the presence of anthraquinones (possible laxative effect at high doses).
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children.
• For external use: avoid application to deep open wounds.

History and origin

Great patience has been documented since the Middle Ages for its digestive and cleansing properties. Also used in some rural cultures for its fortifying properties, it is now being rediscovered for natural herbal treatments that respect traditions.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: lined kraft bag or airtight opaque box.
• Storage: dry, cool place, away from light and humidity.
• Shelf life: 18 to 24 months.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Directory of ancient medicinal plants of Europe
• Ethnobotany and traditional practices

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.