dock
Meaning of dock: Dock refers to several related plants long used in traditional herbal preparations and, in some cases, eaten as a leafy food.
Definition of dock
Dock is a common name for several related plants in the genus Rumex, including species such as yellow dock and sheep sorrel, that grow widely as weeds in many regions. Certain dock species have long been used in traditional and folk herbal preparations, and the young leaves of some species are also eaten as a leafy vegetable, valued for their sour, tangy flavor.
Dock plants contain oxalic acid, a compound also found in other leafy greens, which contributes to their tart taste and is a consideration for people who need to limit oxalate intake for other health reasons.
Dock is also sold as an herbal supplement, and while it has a long history of traditional use, claims about specific health benefits beyond its role as a food source have not been established with strong scientific evidence.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The patient mentioned using a dock leaf preparation as part of an herbal regimen.
Good to know
Dock preparations are marketed as herbal supplements, a category regulated differently from medication, so the strength of evidence behind particular claimed benefits can vary considerably between products.