Bladder Dock

Appearance

Bladder dock is an annual or perennial, rhizomatous herb growing up to 50 cm tall, strongly branched from the base.

Distribution

S. Europe - Greece. W. Asia. N. Africa.

Uses

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.