Health Benefits of Yellow Dock

Yellow dock is so common that people often consider it a weed, and are unaware of its medicinal properties.

Description and Habitat of Yellow Dock

Yellow dock (Rumex crispus), also known as curly dock, narrow dock or sour dock, is a member of the Polygonaceae family, which includes buckwheat. It is a very common herb that grows wild in many areas of the world, often in damp places such as ditches or meadows near streams. Yellow dock has long, narrow leaves growing up to a foot or more in length from the base, and produces a long, thick root similar to that of a carrot. Most of the medicinal properties of yellow dock are found in the root.

Properties and Therapeutic Uses of Yellow Dock

Yellow dock has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb for liver and blood disorders, and chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The root of yellow dock contains anthroquinone glycosides, which give it a mild laxative property, making it useful for constipation.

A tea made from 1 teaspoon of chopped dock root steeped in a cup boiling water can be taken two or three times a day to improve digestion, especially of fatty foods, as a liver tonic, and for skin eruptions. A strong decoction of a quarter cup of chopped dock root boiled in four cups of water can be added to the bath water for rashes, hives and insect bites. Yellow dock root is also known as a blood tonic and is used for iron-deficiency anemia. It contains iron and also promotes increased absorption of iron by the body.

Contraindications and Cautions
Yellow dock contains oxalates and should not be used by those suffering from kidney stones; it also be avoided during pregnancy. It should not be used long-term (more than 7-10 days) as a laxative, because it can cause dependency.

Recipe for Yellow Dock Tonic

2 ounces of yellow dock root (fresh or dried)
4 cups water
1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
2 tablespoons brandy as a preservative (optional)

1. Place the chopped dock root in a one-quart jar
2. Pour four cups of boiling water over the dock root
3. Cover and let stand for 8-24 hours
4. Pour off the liquid into a non-aluminum pan and heat until it is barely simmering; cook down to 1 cup
5. Pour into a clean glass jar
6. Add the molasses and stir until well mixed
7. Add the brandy if desired
8. Store in the refrigerator.
This tonic has a very pleasant taste. Take by the tablespoonful as a blood tonic.

This information is for educational purposes only. If you have a serious health concern, see your health care provider.

Sources:

Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2000.
Moore, Michael. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Museum of New Mexico Press, 2003.
Tierra, Michael. The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, 1998.