“Yellow Dock - A Native American Herb”

Yellow dock root has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for healing lots of different health challenges including anemia, psoriasis, digestive problems, infections, and more.

Where it Grows - Yellow dock also known as Rumex crispus and curly dock grows in the US, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and in Europe in moderate climates. Yellow dock enjoys rich loamy soil but will tolerate poor soil and loves partial shade. Yellow dock is a common weed that grows along roadsides and in vacant lots.

Parts Used - The roots are boiled and then made into a tincture or dried and used as a powder.

Good Diuretic - Yellow dock works great for increasing urination.

Great Detoxing Agent - Studies done at Aklilu Lemma Institute in Ethiopia showed that yellow dock was one of the best all around detoxing agents for the liver, gallbladder, and blood — Powerful!

Powerful Antioxidant - Yellow dock is a powerful antioxidant and studies at the University of Jamia Hamdard in India proved that yellow dock removes free radicals and prevents and repairs DNA damage.

Excellent Source of Vitamins A and C - Yellow dock contains lots of Vitamin A and C which are powerful antioxidants for preventing colds and flues.

Potassium - And yellow dock also contains a good source of potassium which is important for water regulation and good heart contractions.

Antimicrobial - Studies done at Atatürk University in Turkey found that yellow dock killed harmful bacteria and fungal agents making yellow dock great for healing infections.

Lung Conditions - Yellow dock is also used in homeopathic medicine for healing irritation of the respiratory system and nagging coughs.

Helps with GI Distress - Studies done at the University of Massachusetts show that yellow dock is great for healing stomachaches and indigestion. Yellow dock stimulates the production of stomach acids and also helps with appetite.

Liver Stimulant - Yellow dock stimulates the production of bile in the liver and thus helps cleans the gallbladder.

Heals Skin - Yellow dock has also been used topically in creams and ointments for healing rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy. And yellow dock also works well for athletes foot infections. Studies in the journal of Complementary Medicine found that yellow dock had anti-inflammatory qualities and shortened the healing time for wounds.

Anemia - Also yellow dock has been used successfully to fortify the blood with iron because yellow dock is a good source of bioavailable iron for healing anemia.

Heals Constipation - Yellow dock is also a great agent for healing constipation because it produces mucus and fluids in the GI tract. And yellow dock stimulates the transit of food through the intestines.

Young Edible Leaves - The young leaves are edible and a small amount can be used raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews, but they do contain oxalates. If a person is sensitive to oxalates it’s best to cook the leaves.

Forms - Yellow dock can be found as powders, in capsules, tinctures, syrups, liquid extracts, teas, ointments and creams.

Dose - A tea can be made by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried root in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes— drink 3 cups a day. As a tincture take 1 to 2 mils three times a day, in capsule form take 2 - 500 mg capsules a day, and always take yellow dock with food.

Finding - Yellow dock can be found at your local health food store, and it can be ordered on-line by googling “Buy Yellow Dock” and lots of places will come up including Amazon and Ebay.

Side Effects - Taking to much yellow dock can cause nausea and diarrhea. Yellow dock like all medications, herbs, and supplements should not be used by those who are pregnant, nursing, or small children. And with all herbs yellow dock should only be taken for 7 to 10 days and then take a week off and repeat if needed.

Enjoy Yellow Dock!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist