Herb latin name: Rumex dentatus


Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)



Medicinal use of Rumex dentatus:

The root is used as an astringent application in the treatment of cutaneous disorders.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual/Biennial

Habitat of the herb:

Deep situations, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir.

Edible parts of Rumex dentatus:

Tender young leaves - cooked as a vegetable.

Other uses of the herb:

Although no specific mention has been made for this species, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant.

Propagation of Rumex dentatus:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Deep situations, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir.

Known hazards of Rumex dentatus:

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.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.