Yellow Dock
(Rumex crispus)
Botanical Information
A member of the Buckwheat family with long lance-shaped leaves and a tall spike of greenish flowers turning to rust-colored seeds.
Working with Yellow Dock
Part(s) Used
Root
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, bulk herb.
Yellow dock is a bitter bowel tonic that can remove excess heat associated with over-indulgence in heating foods (such as sugar, stimulants, red meat, and alcoholic drinks). It is also a very mild laxative, which because of its astringent properties, can also help stop chronic diarrhea, accompanied by heat, not deficiency conditions with fatigue. Because of its mild astringent action, the overall effect is one of normalizing the bowel movements and clearing heat. The herb is often recommended as a blood-cleansing remedy used for acne or psoriasis, perhaps in conjunction with Oregon grape root. It promotes the flow of bile and is used for jaundice, hepatitis, and swollen lymph. Yellow dock is often used by pregnant women to raise the blood iron levels and prevent iron deficiency. The root is not rich in iron itself, but it probably helps the body assimilate iron, so the tincture of yellow dock should be taken with a good herbal iron supplement, such as one rich in sea vegetables like nori, or nettle herb. It is also a good idea to add at least 1 serving of green leafy vegetables daily, such as collard greens, to the diet.
Yellow Dock has a taste of BITTER, ASTRINGENT and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Contains oxalates. Use this herb cautiously if you have a history of kidney stones.
Conditions treated with Yellow Dock
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
digestive stimulant, aids iron assimilation
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
cholagogue, liver cleanser, bowel cooler
Application
tea, tincture, capsules, tablets
Condition
Treatment Support
bowel tonic, liver cooler
Application
capsules, tablets, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
blood cleanser and builder
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
bowel cleanser, blood cleanser
Application
tincture, tea, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.