Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a small, leafy plant that grows wild throughout the world. It belongs to the buckwheat or Polygonaceae family. It has yellowish-brown roots, which accounts for its common name. The roots are 8-12 in (20-30 cm) long, about 0.5 in (1.27 cm) thick, fleshy, and usually not forked. The stem is 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 m) high and branched. Yellow dock is also known as curly or curled dock because of its long lance shaped leaves that are slightly ruffled along its edges. The leaves are 6-10 in (15-25 cm) long. Its leaves are used for food while both roots and leaves are used as herbal remedies. Yellow dock is closely related to rhubarb and sorrel.
Yellow dock is primarily used in the treatment of digestive problems, liver diseases, and skin disorders. It has been described as an alterative, astringent, cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, and nutritive.
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a perennial flowering herb, native to Europe, which grows throughout the United States. Its yellow roots were traditionally thought to have medicinal properties, and its sour-sweet leaves can be used (in moderation) as a salad green.
Yellow dock root root has no established medical uses. However, it contains chemicals called anthroquinones (also found in the more famous herbal laxative senna), which stimulate bowel movements. For this reason, yellow dock is occasionally included in herbal laxative mixtures.
Yellow dock root Tea Benefits have been recognized as being especially effective on blood and liver ailments. Yellow dock tea is also known to have extensive laxative and skin cleansing properties.
Yellow docks unique characteristic of the leaves is what gave the yellow dock its alternative nickname, the curled dock. The leaves are usually boiled and eaten. The roots and the submerged parts of the yellow dock are the ones used for therapeutic purposes.
Yellow Dock has been used extensively since ancient times in the treatment of “bad blood,” especially as related to chronic skin complaints such as psoriasis. The anthraquinones present have a markedly cathartic action on the bowel, but in this herb they act in a mild way, possibly tempered by the tannin content. Thus it makes a valuable remedy for constipation, working as it does in a much wider way than simply stimulating the intestinal muscles.
It promotes the flow of bile, and its action on the gall-bladder has given it a role in the treatment of jaundice when this is due to congestion. It is a general tonic alterative with special influence upon skin eruptions. Yellow dock root has been given the following specific indications: simple deficiency anemias, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, prurigo, and itching hemorrhoids. Ellingwood considered that its alterative properties are underestimated, saying that, “It is a renal depurant and general alterative of much value when ulceration of mucous surfaces or disease of the skin resulting from impure blood. It acts directly in its restorative influence, purifying the blood, removing morbidic material and quickly cures the disease conditions.” In addition, he recommends it for the following pathologies: ulcerative stomatitis, nursing sore mouth, syphilis, scrofula, cancer and tuberculosis.
King’s American Dispensatory describes its specific indications as being, “bad blood with chronic skin disease; bubonic swellings; low deposits in glands and cellular tissues, and tendency to indolent ulcers; feeble recuperative power; irritative, dry laryngo-tracheal cough; stubborn, dry, summer cough; chronic sore throat, with glandular enlargements and hypersecretion; nervous dyspepsia, with epigastric fullness and pain extending through left half of chest; and cough, with dyspnea.” The root is highly prized by modern herbalists as one of the richest sources of iron, and is used in most “blood cleansing” formulas.
The Docks, like Rhubarb, harbor high levels of toxic oxalates in the leaves, and that part of the plant is seldom consumed. The root also contains some oxalates, and should not be consumed in large quantities, or for very long periods. Black tea or coffee should not be consumed while taking Yellow Dock, or other strong iron tonics.
Yellow dock is available in capsule or tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Yellow dock is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.