Herb Profile: Yellow Dock

Yellow Dock, Rumex crispus 

Yellow dock root is cooling, sour, drying, cleansing, a laxative, and bitter. Yellow dock is indicated for cases of overactive digestion, excessive appetite, excessive hydrochloric acid with reflux and burning, and an overabundance of saliva.

Yellow dock is considered to be one of the best herbs for the entire digestive system. The taproot is rich in anthraquinone, which has a laxative action. It contains biochelated iron, which can be readily absorbed. It is helpful for anemia, fatigue, and for folks with PMS or other hormonal imbalances.

For more information on yellow dock check out this blog post from The Herbal Academy.

 

Preparations

Yellow dock is bitter, so if taken as a decoction (using either fresh or dry root) it is best when combined with other tastier herbs. It can be taken as a tincture to support the digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder.

 

Yellow dock constipation remedy (from Rosemary Gladstar)

Yellow dock is helpful for constipation and doesn’t create any dependency issues. Combine 2 parts yellow dock root, 1 part dandelion root, and 1 part licorice root. Prepare as a decoction and drink 3 cups a day.

 

Alkalizing Herb Blend for Vascular Headaches

Vascular headaches are generally the result of too much cold food in the diet and an overly acidic condition of the body. To get rid of a vascular headache, alkalize the diet with salty, contractive foods like brine-cured olives, a cup of miso soup, or a strong alkalizing tea blend.
Combine 1 part yellow dock root, 3 parts dandelion root and 2 parts burdock root. Prepare as a decoction and drink 1/4 cup of tea with 1/4 teaspoon of skullcup or valerian tincture every 30 minutes until symptoms subside.

 

Yellow Dock Syrup (from Guido Mase)

Take a couple of tablespoons of yellow dock syrup with meals, once or twice a day, to ensure good iron levels. Because of it’s abilities to regulate bowel function, this is a beloved tonic for pregnancy, it helps keep energy levels up and corrects any mild constipation.

Take about 8 ounces of minced, dried yellow dock root and simmer it in a quart of spring water, over low heat, until there is only about a pint of fluid left. Strain the liquid, which should be dark brown and rich-smelling, and mix it with an equal part by volume of raw honey (e.g. two cups of fluid, mix with two cups of honey). The syrup will keep indefinitely if refrigerated.

 

Cautions/Contraindications

“Use cautiously when a history of kidney stones is present.” (Gagnon, Daniel)

 

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Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only. We do not endorse the websites linked to in the resources and have not extensively reviewed all the information on external pages for accuracy. Everyone reacts differently to herbs and we do not attempt to be completely inclusive in the information and contraindications for each herb. Trust your intuition if something is not feeling right for you.

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